the.t.man
Original version, in Spanish, published by Look Magazine on June 10, 2018.
Control systems engineer by day, writer-coach-aspiring cyclist by night.
This is the story of a real-life Superman, one who broke a medical paradigm and achieved the unachievable.
INSENSATE BRAVERY
Your life can change in a blink of an eye — good changes, that is — even if these changes hurt a tad bit.
— It’s all a matter of perspective!
My life took a dramatic turn — for the better— and it all began that late May afternoon.
Weekday afternoons were then known as typical days for the “group of the fast-ones” to ride — short, and well (as the name suggests), fast rides! Daylight-savings-time worked in our favor this time of the year — as we could ride past 5 PM.
Three honest and brave men met up that afternoon.
The plan — To ride about 25 miles while holding an average speed of 22 mph.
— “Brave” is the keyword —Brace yourselves!
At the time, I was training to compete in an upcoming triathlon — I had just installed “aero-bars” to my bicycle’s handlebars to allow for a more aerodynamic position. Ironically enough, the new position made it difficult for me to handle the bike as I was not yet comfortable with the change.
For those who are not aware — “aero-bars” allow you to get into a more aerodynamic position by lowering your upper body and bringing your arms in-line with your torso — More aerodynamic, but yet difficult to maneuver and brake.
And so, we took off! — Fast and furious!
The ride? — One of the best ever!
The new position? — very aero to say the least.
The feeling? — Endorphins galore.
At the last stop sign of the route, Brave Rider #1 and Brave Rider #2 manage to make a left turn while not making a complete stop — As I said, they were Brave.
In the meantime, I (Brave but yet precautious) manage to make a complete stop. It does not take a second before anxious drivers waiting behind begin honking like savages— typical.
While feeling a bit pressured — you know, from the mesmerizing honking-orchestra and from the fact of falling behind — I deliberately make the left turn.
— Is it clear? No.
— Can I make the turn? Yes — Well, I think…
In that moment of insensate bravery, the stars align …
I fail at clipping in my shoe with the pedal — and the impulse is not hard enough for me to cross the road on time.
And so, reality sinks in — I realize I am about to be rammed by a truck coming in-hot in my direction. Just like in the movies (believe it or not — haters gonna hate) — in these life-or-death situations, a time vortex powers up, and well, time slows down.
Tic-toc…— time comes back to normal and — WHAM!
The impact shuts me down in an instant. While laying on the road, I gain back consciousness— it is the sound of my deep groans of pain that waken me.
I open my eyes, take a second to collect my thoughts, realize what just happened, and make a mental assessment of my condition — thinking does not come in easily. I fadedly notice I am surrounded by people, one of them holds my neck down.
— I can’t feel my legs! Quick — Pinch ‘em!
The pain is unbearable. I anxiously fight to move my head and take a peek at my broken body — I deliberately fail, as my body does not respond, the attempt is useless.
A calming voice then whispers — “It’s gonna be alright, relax. Stay still, don’t move your neck — I got you!”
I close my eyes. Reluctantly give in. And willingly accept that I am in good hands.
In a matter of minutes, an ambulance reaches the scene. The paramedics roll me onto a blackboard, assess the damage, and rush me into the ambulance.
While drifting in and out, I somehow manage to slowly respond to all of their questions. In my mind, it was my personal duty to let these people know I was fine — while failing to grasp the contrary reality of the situation.
A NEW BEGINNING
The heroic encounter involved:
A total of 56 fractures — fractures to the left arm, left clavicle, left leg, the midsection of the chest, and pelvis.
Multiple blood-transfusions. Respiratory and urological complications.
Three medical surgeries — to attend to the fractures.
Some metal plates and screws.
Ten days in a medical hospital. Two days in the ICU.
Eleven days in a rehabilitation hospital.
Four months using a wheelchair. One month using crutches.
One year managing with PTSD. One year of psychological counseling.
Six months of use of anti-depressant drugs.
Uncountable memories.
Innumerable new friendships.
Righteous lessons.
One new life.
At the time, the medical team anticipated for me to go through a long recovery in order to heal properly — all due to the extension of the severe injuries and repairs. It was also expressed there was a chance my body may not move to the extent it normally did — especially while walking — due to the severity of the pelvic injury.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Three surgeries in, doctors then confirmed it was anticipated it would take more than a year for me to go back to my normal lifestyle — this of course, with the assistance of an elaborate physical therapy routine.
I gave in and bravely accepted my physical and mental state
— I made myself a personal promise though, to commit to doing anything in my power to get better. Anything.
Pain is temporary. I can manage pain.
I am strong. But I can’t do this alone.
I am going to need some moral support.
Friends and family — and especially my mom.
I come to my senses and accept my destiny…
Over the course of time, I manage to learn how to carry out a “normal” lifestyle and do day-to-day activities— activities that made me feel alive.
And so, a lifestyle of infinite positivity, perseverance, and faith arises.
I had under my disposal all of the tools necessary to break that medical paradigm and prove medical science I had superpowers — well, at least it felt like I did.
The mission: to get better — World hold on!
WHEN THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY
My blessed life granted me all the company and support possible.
My personal friends were always by my side. My circle of co-workers and cycling partners went above and beyond to help. And my family?
Of course! — My aunt was always on top of her game to help. My siblings granted me that peace of mind I so desperately needed, even if from a distance. And my mom? — Well, what can I say — Mother of the Year Award!
Days went by like paper in the wind — Yes, my body recovered!
Oh, and guess what? — I took my first steps only 3 months after the accident.
Suck it negativity! — I was so happy I cried.
But wait, there is more — one month later, the day arrived: New bike day!
— New bike, new life.
— Hold on now — I know what you are thinking.
The next step was to strengthen my body so I could ride outdoors just like I used to back in the good-ol’-days. I had a collection of physical restrictions, so it was not just a matter of “giddy-up, let's got ride”. This time, I had to meticulously gauge my efforts to understand my body’s limits — In the process of doing so, manage to learn how to listen to my body, and above all learn how to be patient.
— Oh, the beautiful lessons learned.
Day in and day out — I managed to push my body to its physical threshold.
I was on a mission — a mission to get better and revert my life, back to normal.
Was it painful? — Extremely.
Was it difficult? — Absolutely.
But, was it worth it? — No doubt about it!
If we set our minds and convince ourselves, anything is possible.
The body achieves what the mind believes.
— Stubbornness you say? — Nah, more like perseverance!
As perseverance is simply stubbornness with a purpose.
Just a year after the accident, I competed in an official USA Cycling road race — Category 5. The objective was not to win the race, but much rather prove myself I was physically and mentally capable of competing against other athletes.
But that day, I won — I was able to withstand both physical and mental strain, surpass feelings of anxiety and fear, and feel freedom once again.
— Definitely a winner in my book.
Oh, anxiety, you wonder — Has it been easy to take control over it? — Hell no!
Just like anything else, the process of overcoming anxiety and depression has been a struggle of its own.
The mind is powerful, yes. But a “busted” powerful mind can be extremely toxic. Over time, with the help of professional counseling and by administrating medications, I was able to reset my mindset and set off a new track.
Recently, I’ve managed to take control over symptoms of anxiety and depression while laying off of all medications — By tweaking my diet and the use of nootropics — “You are what you eat!”
In the end, my experience and recovery sparked my interest to develop my ability to serve and learn — a beginning to a journey to see life differently and realize I can be passionate about helping others.
Yes, it’s amazing — I broke a medical paradigm.
I made the impossible, possible — I managed to overcome pain.
I was able to realize and accept I have the power to change anything.
— Perfect — I won, and I continue to win every day.
But it’s not about me anymore.
It’s about you! — You have got the power to change absolutely everything.
