Sign In
Close
I don't normally share really personal stuff here, but I wanted to share this. Some of you (my close friends) know that I was shot in the chest by accident when was nine, but most of you don't. Now, as of the first week of March, it has finally been removed (thanks to Norway's free healthcare, as I could never have afforded this back when I lived in the US). I carried it (both pieces, since it broke in half) deep within my upper right lung for 33 years, and it caused me a lifetime of problems, from chronic coughing up blood to chest pains, any time I tried to exercise, laugh out loud, yell, or bounce up and down...basically, anything that moved my lung around. I also gained a lot of weight during 3 pregnancies, and could never work it off afterwards because of the bullet, so I'm still struggling to lose it (having hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia doesn't help much with that either). The upper lung was also bound to the chest wall by scar tissue (to where the entry wound was, which you can see the scar of in the image), and that had to be cut away too, and they had to open up my ribcage to get to it all. Now I have a 7 inch scar wrapping around my side, and still am in some pain from that, as well as from the lung and sternum, where they were both cut, but it's slowly passing. As least the bullet is out now, and I can hope to get some semblance of my life back again. I would love nothing more than to actually be able to jog, since, before I was shot, I was the fastest sprinter in my elementary school, and afterwards, could never run again. So who knows what my life might have been, had it not been for the bullet...but it's not something I can dwell on. Anyways, wish me luck! :)
Submission Information
- Views:
- 1000
- Comments:
- 30
- Favorites:
- 11
- Rating:
- General
- Category:
- Visual / Photography
Comments
-
-
Best of luck!
-
Congratts on finally getting it out and good luck! Also... wow on that story! Beats the guy I know story. He got shot in the bottom and pices of the bullet are still making their way out of his skin. One piece even almost killed him, traveled up close to vital organs, but they managed to get it out in time. He keeps the pieces that come out in this really small glass container. I really hope you'll be able to do some of the things you were not able to when the bullet was still inside you. :)
-
Good luck!! <3
-
I'm so happy for you that that thing is out! That bullet and the problem it caused most have been a pain. I hope you get back into doing those things you was deprived of before as soon as possible! :)
-
Holy Cow!! I hope you get better soon and start doing cool sttuff!
-
I wish you well!
-
Whoa, I never would have guessed. Like everyone else above me has already said; here's to hoping you get some of your life back now. Considering all the other positives that have been happening for you in recent memory, I'm sure that's do-able!
-
Oh wow I had no idea. That must be such a relief! I hope you recover and feel better soon.
-
Sending you cosmic good vibes, friend!
-
I'm so glad that is finally taken care of! Yay Norway and healthcare. (I'm Canadian.) Wishing you the best recovery and many awesome runs.
-
Goodness, D: I'm glad that thing came out. I hope your recovery goes really well!
-
Wow - I had no idea you had been through so much, or that you carried a bullet around in your chest for decades. I'm very happy you were able to get it out and you can have a livelier life. Congratulations on your big step, and good luck in the healing <3
-
Wow! I really hope you make a speedy recovery, and the best of luck to you!
-
My gosh that is nuts! Sounds like it was Norway to the rescue (seems like a pretty nice place). Positive thoughts for a smooth recovery your way!
-
You've been through so much and so glad you could get the thing that caused you so much pain removed! Many well wishes and a speedy recovery~ <3
-
I'm happy you got the bullet removed, I'm sure you're looking forward to fully healing and not have to worry about damaging your lung. Here's to a speedy recovery! <3
-
Favorited because I'm SO GLAD you were able to finally lift this burden from your life! What an immense relief it must be. You're an amazing person, I'm so happy for you. <3 Hoping your recovery is quick and thorough!
-
Whoa! I wish you a speedy recovery from surgery and a post-recovery bounce-back to pre-injury with that bit gone! Blows me away that they wouldn't remove it when you were younger! Glad you're around to share this bit!
-
Ahaaaa, I was wondering what that was about on fb, but didn't want to intrude. So glad you're liberated and happy now xx
-
Oh my goodness Swan! I'm so glad you had that bullet removed! Best of luck and a speedy recovery to you <3
-
Glad you're rid of that thing and that the surgery went well. Best of luck to you and take your time in recovering and be sure to enjoy lots of laughs now that you can safely do so. :)
-
I can't imagine how much of a relief that is... Best of health to you, may it open up new vistas. <3
-
Ahh I am glad to hear this , even with breathing/lung issues of my own I can't imagine what living with that must have been like, and I wish you the rest of your life in comfort. You're amazing and strong already and such a wonderful soul, you deserve the best !
( I did at first think from the thumbnail that the burden was the owl haha, I was going to offer to take it from you ;))
-
There is an old saying among my people which, I believe, holds some ground here.
"Better out than in."In all seriousness I hope that now you have been relieved of the object(s) after all this time that your breathing will be easier and any mental worries it will have incurred can now be laid to rest. I wonder if you plan to keep the piece or to dispose of them in whatever manner you see fit.
hugs
-
I wish I could 'fave' this.... ^v^ ..just so happy and relieved to know you can start anew after all this time.....
hugs and love.... C birdy-bro. -
I'm very happy for you. Glad you could get the surgery. Thanks for sharing.
-
I am so happy to hear that something that burdensome was taken care of. It also just makes me even more frustrated w/the US.
-
Good lord that's a heavy story. I am so glad you were finally able to have it out, though, and I wish you the best in your recovery. Exercising is one of the great joys of my life, and I can only imagine how horrible it would be without it. I hope you get completely better and are able to pursue all the exercise-related activities you wish!
-
Oh, wow. Hope things get better for you now that it's removed. Best of luck!
Link
Kengi
Oh wow! Here is to you and the best of luck!!