Maxine Sharpe
Concussions/Brain Injuries: 1
Cause: Car Accident
Maxine’s Story
At the age of 27, on a beautiful sunny May morning in 2019. I was on my way to my destination to begin my shift. As I was about to reach my destination, I approached a lighted intersection and the light was green for me with a lit up walk signal for pedestrians. As I approached, I had to enter the intersection using my discretion as both sides were covered by trees and any danger would be unknown. As I entered the intersection, the walk signal proceeded to start flashing the red hand. All within seconds my life changed forever. While proceeding through the intersection, I gazed to my left and seen a large vehicle headlight seconds away from impacting me directly. The other vehicle failed to stop for a red light.
All within those couple seconds my body was violently jarred back and forth in my seat. My seat belt saved my life. The left side of my head violently smashed off my vehicle window which had thick glass and caused a large crack. Once it was over, I was holding onto my wheel for dear life and instantly started crying because I was still alive, in one piece but also in shock from what just happened. I hit my head so hard I didn't know how until I seen the large crack in the window a couple hours later. I was so out of it from shock and my adrenaline kicked in, my vehicle was damaged and moved the right a couple feet because I was t-boned by the other vehicle.
I had many witnesses that came running to my aid. I walked around the scene, processing what just happened and felt like I was in a dream. When I was taken to the hospital, I noticed my skull was very "soft" where it impacted the window. The ER doctor barely checked over my head because I "looked and seemed fine."
As the day proceeded on, the adrenaline was wearing off and the pain was setting in all over my body. The next morning, I woke up in excruciating pain crying and knew this was very serious and beginning the journey of the unknown. Over the next couple weeks, I had difficulty completing sentences, finding words to speak, I couldn't function without my head hurting. I felt like Jekyll and Hyde. I never directly got angry towards anybody but something so simple would send me into an angry mood swing. The left side of my head was swollen and in a lot of pain. My back was also injured and I was asking myself "What did I do to deserve this?" I was a stranger in my own body. I couldn't think clearly and those around me felt helpless.
I was 2 weeks out from my first half marathon and training hard in the gym. I was devastated I couldn't run the race but a couple days later I returned to the gym and told myself “This is going to be hard, not easy at all, but I can, and I will overcome this" and that I did.
4.5 years later, I reflect on my recovery. I was hospitalized twice. I've cried many tears and have been not taken seriously because of having an invisible injury. I live with chronic pain.
Now I live my new life healthy and grateful despite the long-term effects. With time and patience my injuries have become part of who I am, listening to my body and gained my mobility back. Throughout my recovery I sought physiotherapy, chiropractic care, therapy and exercising. They all helped so much in my recovery.
Thanks to my fitness lifestyle before my accident, I was successfully able to regain my lifestyle with new limits. 2.5 years after my accident I competed in my first bodybuilding show and placed 1st in my class. I recently just completed in my second show and placed 2nd. I fought hard and have ran 6 half marathons ever since my accident. Is it easy? Absolutely not but I fought a hard battle and still do to be able to do what I love.
I became this angry person and depressed. Thankfully those days are behind me and received therapy to talk/work through those tough emotions. I had an unexpected career change but it was a blessing in disguise. I've lost friends and ended my relationship of a couple years throughout this journey. I wish the best for them, but as I rebuild my life, I've had to make changes, surround myself with the right people.
What has helped me finally begin healing is accepting my new normal. My accident has made me a better, stronger person over time. I'm finding peace, I'm healing, I have amazing friends and met the love of my life Sean. He makes me feel like I'm a real-life Wonder Woman because of it all. My quality of life has slowly returned.
2.5 years ago, I got my dog Steve French. He never leaves my side and has helped me so much. I've learned to become my own advocate. I've read many stories of other survivors and felt inspired knowing I am not alone. I've come so far and on days when I begin to doubt myself, I remind myself of my journey and accomplishments throughout it and that is what keeps me going.
Advice from Maxine: My advice is to listen to your body. Some days will be better and some won't. Don't give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with those who love and encourage you. Be your own advocate!
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Concussion Connect has provided me a space to learn more about what is going on inside my brain and body, find the words to express how I am feeling, not feel so alone, and learn about and use different resources! It provides a sense of being understood that has been missing since my accident, even brings a sense of understanding myself. - CC Member
