My VADspiration
Sometime last year (before I even went into hospital) I was scrolling through my Facebook feed. I had come across such an interesting video and it motivated me so much. I had never seen a video like it in my life. When I was admitted into hospital the second time and discussion came up about getting an LVAD the first thing I did whilst all the doctors were there with me was pull out my iPad and show them this video -
When I watched this video before I was diagnosed with HeartFailure, I told myself to never back down from facing fears and that this guy is a true inspiration. He is the definition of passion and love towards something and if someone facing such a big problem like him could continue doing the things that he loved and was passionate about, why couldn’t I? (Yes it did also motivate me to gym more because that meant I did not have anymore excuses)
The nights before going in for the operation I would sit in the room and show all the different nurses that same video. Some of them could see how excited I was. I looked up to this guy as he was a hero. I didn’t know what to expect and so I took initiative to message him. Thankfully he replied and I really appreciate that ( AJ if you ever read this, just know that you’re honestly the strongest guy I know and you’re one of the reasons I’m able to get through this). I watched the video so many times to the point where my parents were scared that I was going to try gyming as soon as I was discharged. Everyone around me was pleased that I wasn’t scared and was taking this situation in a good manner.
When I came out of the operation, the first week or two was hell. I couldn’t even walk, I could feel a crazy amount of pain every-time I tried, I felt like someone had shot me multiple times or that a car had rolled over my chest. One day I woke up and I felt so demotivated, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to really exercise or walk around as much anymore and that this machine wouldn’t help me go back to “normality”. My mum and dad opened up the iPad and started playing the video. After that, everything changed. Because I had changed my mindset to wanting that life, I made it happen. After a week of continuously walking around the ward by myself I was allowed to start Physio and then everything else came along.
The moral of this story is that, I felt extremely motivated by this video and it’s really weird how I had come across this video and then had to face the same problems as this guy. I hope that you guys feel motivated to do whatever it is that you love and have passion for after watching that video too.
Always follow your dreams.
To read the next part of my story, click the link below -
