the train driver had seen me standing on the wooden ledge and began slowing down.
my timing to jump was subsequently a bit off. I hit the track feet first before the train knocked me down.
by the time the train came to a complete stop I was between the links of the third carriage. this was a convenient factor. it allowed the emergency team to get to me.
8:43pm.
I was conscious and sort of responsive to questions. I do not recall this. my body shut out the memory of trauma and shock would have kept me conscious. for a bit. until I crashed in emergency trauma at Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).
9:15pm.
I have a long list of official injuries. there is a lot of doctor language I do not understand without googling. to simplify it, I, pedestrian vs train, sustained the following injuries:
a total 15 vertebrae fractures, to multiple sections of my spine. fixed with a few titanium rods and screws.
21 rib fractures.
4 pelvis fractures. one titanium screw.
a right scapula fracture.
a right femur fracture. one titanium rod.
4 fractured bones in my lower legs, 2 for each ankle.
3 broken toes in the right foot.
theres been a few titanium screws in and out of the ankles. a couple will remain permanently.
my body has some great scars, as you'd expect from a high impact accident.
I was stabilised in 10 hours in emergency trauma.
the main issue initially was my broken femur causing a massive internal bleed.
one blood transfusion later.
and by 2pm the day of the 1st of feb, I was moved to ICU = intensive care unit at RMH. Dad had arrived in Melbourne at this point and Mum and Smelly melly weren't far off. My angel cousin Emma, who is based in Melbs, was the first family member to know of my accident and summoned the 'rents and sister. I love you.
I was on full life support for 4 days. an induced coma for 6. ICU for a total 14.
I had to convince myself to start breathing on my own. it took a couple days but I eventually, amazingly, rebirthed.
I was super duper out of it for about a week, thanks to the ketamine and fentanyl that was relieving my agony. I had some interesting delusions. I can remember vaguely. which made me entertaining to be around (aye Emma).
the first couple of weeks were not easy. I had multiple surgeries. had intimidating external fixations put on my legs to realign the bones and prepare for surgery. after surgery on my right ankle I was left with a large pin extending at least 10cm from my heel, internally it was holding my tibia in line with my talus. had a surgery to stabilise my spine which left us wondering if I was going to wake up paraplegic or quadriplegic. caught an infection when my lungs were needing drainage from a puncture. had to undergo a skin graft that took a large portion of skin from my left lower arm to put over the gnarly whole left from my tibia that had penetrated through my skin. I'm still cute though!
Once RMH didn't need me under their supervision I was sent to Epworth Hawthorn rehabilitation to be cared for and eventually start twice daily physio (except when the physios needed a weekend break to partay). I met some equally physically and psychologically injured people who have become my friends. for life guys ok? stay in touch.
I was released from prison.. haha .. I mean rehab at the start of July and now, although still not back to walking independently without crutches and awaiting a little surgery on the ankle in Melbourne, I am feeling like my mind, body & soul are returning. welcome back Tish, been a few months.
also, being by my bedside would have been a traumatic experience in itself. I'm happy I came back to life, for myself & mum & dad & mel & emma. to begin with. I have received so many messages of love and hope which have helped me immensely during my recovery. I am grateful for you all.
so much gratitude for those who saved my life. I am grateful for a second chance.
yeah nah straight up: not going to fuck it up this time.
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