Hello Everyone, My name is Levi Compton,

March 28, 2022

Hello Everyone!! Well....where to begin, I couldn't wait to get home from Shepherds Center, really seemed like I was there for a lot longer than I really was. It definitely seemed like a long journey to finally get to come home, was anxious and excited all at the same time. Initially being home has come with some obstacles and readjustments. The house it very tight to get my chair in and out of all the rooms with exception of living and dining room. Actually the only bedroom I can maneuver my chair into is my bedroom and I really struggled initially to get it through. I had to adjust my loaner wheelchair's kickplate in and up to make the turn. My doctor's didn't like that due to I am seated wrong in my chair, but it was the only way to get into my room. A used lift had to be put into my bathroom, that a dear friend found online really cheap, without it I would not have been able to access my bathroom ( or any bathroom in the house). The base bathroom cabinet had to be removed in order for me to be able to access my sink, my chair has to be able to roll under the counter in order for me to reach the faucet. We reorganized the kitchen island to make accessible everyday items I would need to use like, cups, plates bowls etc.... Raised the table 3 inches so my chair would slide under to have dinner with my family. I really felt uncomfortable in my own home with so many changes having to be made in order for me to just function here, and spend a few weeks really down about my situation. Therapy wasn't helping the situation either, my mom's insurance only covers a specific Physical Therapy group and that is where we began our PT, but they were not able to do any kind of therapy on my legs at all. They just were not knowledgeable in paraplegia nor had the equipment. We quickly found we were going to be limited in finding any PT that could help with my therapy without going back to the Shepherds Center (which was so out of the question for me, I just didn't want to go back to the hospital unless I absolutely had to). The only other option out there was Next Step of Atlanta, so we ventured to try it out. I love it there! We have to self pay which has been extremely difficult, but we are making it work, and they specialize in spinal cord injury therapy. I go 3 times a week and I am very excited to see what kind of progress I can make. They really push and encourage me and that is exactly what I need. I really enjoy being around other people dealing with spinal injuries, and watching their progress as well. It just encourages me and reminds me I am not alone out there. I know things are going to remain hard for my life, but I am absolutely sure God has a plan for my life, and he will provide every step of the way!! Posting new pics so check them out!

With all my post I really wanted to educate others on paraplegia, so here are a few things I learned myself when I got home:

1. Normal rooms may not be big enough to get a wheelchair into.

2. Modifications in order to reach sinks

3. Are vehicles big enough to accommodate all the passengers and my chair whole or even broken down.

4. How do I get into other peoples homes? (portable ramp which I take with me everywhere just in case now)

5. Are your friends and families homes accessible ( especially the bathroom in case you have to catheter while there)

These are just a few things I really didn't think about till I got home and found myself in those kinds of situations.

Will post again soon!

Levi

March 1, 2022

Hello Everyone, My name is Levi Compton, I am 24yrs old and live in a little town of Lula, in Northeast Ga. I have had many jobs but have been a diesel mechanic in Cleveland Ga. for 3yrs.

I am very glad 2021 is officially over, it was a very difficult year for me and my family, I lost my dad in Jan. and moved into the house with my mom to help out financially. In Sept. of 2021 I was in a really bad car accident, it seems like cars may be a curse for our family. I lost my sister in 2013 to a car accident which I was in as well and blessed to live thru, then lost my dad to a car accident in Jan. of 2021. I do not remember my accident at all, was told I lost control of my car in a curve coming home from my second job, I was ejected from the car with a shattered T12 spinal injury (note to self.....seatbelts ARE very important!) I under went an extensive spinal surgery which left me a paraplegic, which means I have not feeling in my legs, bowl or bladder. Was sent to the Shepherds Center immediately after surgery and learned how to live in a wheel chair. I have done great and stayed only 8 weeks with the support of all the people there and my mom who stayed with me. I truly have embraced where I currently am and not where I was. I was not in a good place before my accident and I am viewing this change as new start on a new life. It is a good thing I love lemonade cause life has thrown me a lot of lemons in only 24yrs! Yet I am very determined to take every second of my life and make it matter to me and all those around me. I have learned so much about Spinal Cord injury (SCI) and wanted to be able to share my journey and new knowledge with everyone I know. The everyday costs are huge, but we take one day at a time and make strides to overcome every obstacle that comes our way.

I am using this platform to help off set so many of the financial challenges and take you on my journey with me, with hopes you will be well informed of SCI as you go with me.

I will update everyone as often as possible on my progress and hope to share some insight into SCI on the journey.

I would like to thank everyone who has so supported me thus far in my new journey and all the new friends I have met along the way! Your support and love has been the driving factor for me!

Will update soon!

Levi