How I Tried And Failed To Work Through While Recovering From A Lower Leg Injury
In August of 2022 I was being a helper at my sons rugby training.
Last training session of the season, the wonderful coach wanted to have a parents vs kids touch game.
Running down the middle of the pitch or as my old coach used to call it, the fat-mans track (stay in between the posts and never venture out to the side-lines).
I received a pass and my son approached, I had visions of a Roger Tuivasa-Sheck style step.
What I actually did in this moment, was blow my left knee apart.
MCL, ACL, LCL and Meniscus, I felt my Tibia slide up and touch my Femur (shin to thigh). Worst pain I have ever felt.
The Only Way To Repair An ACL Is With Surgery
I had surgery booked for 2 weeks after the injury but this was delayed for 3 months due to Deep Vein Thrombosis that developed.
For my role, I am mostly sedentary.
In my head I am thinking I can work from home, I have done this throughout the lockdowns and have the setup at home to do this.
As I reflect on the events that unfolded after that fateful day on the rugby field, I cannot help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment.
The injury to my lower leg had left me incapacitated and unable to perform my daily tasks with ease.
Even the most mundane tasks such as walking or cooking had become a daunting challenge.
Initially, I was optimistic about the prospect of working from home while I recovered.
I had all the necessary equipment and was confident that I could manage my workload remotely.
However, my injury proved to be more severe than anticipated, and the delay in scheduling surgery only added to my frustration.
As the weeks turned into months, I became increasingly despondent
The constant pain and lack of mobility took a toll on my mental health, and I struggled to maintain a positive outlook.
My wife was my rock during this trying time, taking care of our children and assuming the role of my primary caregiver.
Work-wise, I found it difficult to be proactive in generating new business.
My focus was on recovering, and I could only be reactive to the needs of my existing clients.
The loss of income was also a significant concern, and I was grateful for the support provided by ACC.
When the surgery was finally scheduled, it was a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
The months that followed were challenging as I underwent physiotherapy to regain my strength and mobility.
The ACL recovery time of 8-9 months seemed like an eternity, and the muscle wastage was evident.
It was only in the last 3 months that I began to feel like my old self again
I was able to return to work and be proactive in generating new business.
The experience made me more empathetic toward clients who have faced similar challenges and inspired me to develop a business continuity plan to mitigate any future disruptions.
Looking back on this experience, I realise how fortunate I was to have the support of my family, friends, and colleagues.
I also understand the importance of having insurance coverage that includes a dependent caregiver and a cash payment during surgery.
The experience has left me a wiser and more compassionate insurance adviser, and I am grateful for the lessons learned.
If my career was physical in any way I would still be unable to work, I have 2 more months from the time of writing this before I am allowed to even attempt to run under supervision.
Jonathan Whorwood
Financial Adviser
The Insurance Supply Co Limited