Keeping it Positive – Diane’s Comeback Story
Diane Johnson is one of the most upbeat, positive people that you will ever meet. She is so thoughtful and encouraging to others. Her smile is continuous. What happens to someone like Diane when they are faced with a severe injury that keeps them from doing the things they love and makes them wonder, “Will I ever be able to even walk again?” Find out how Diane faced her injury below and be inspired by her awesome Comeback Story!
What was your injury?
My injury was a fractured tibial plateau and dislocated knee cap on my right leg. This all happened on April 8, 2017 around 10:00 a.m.. I was helping decorate church for Palm Sunday and I fell off of a ladder.
What was the most challenging aspect to your recovery?
Probably the most challenging aspect to my recovery was the fact that my husband was also going through some serious health challenges of his own, so we were apart from each other. Our families were amazing, as well as all of the hospital staff and rehabilitation center where I lived for almost two months.
Being an active, on-the-go, independent person also was a challenge because I was so unable to be like that. I had to realize and accept the fact that at this point in my life, I needed help, care, and support from others. These challenges, however, actually became gifts—as my faith life grew, and I trusted in God more and more knowing He was in control and loved me.
What did you learn from your experience in physical therapy?
From my experiences at OPTI with Katie, Brent, Marc, Sara, Braden, Lori, and Ally, I learned that believing, trusting, listening, and working with them would help make my comeback a reality. Along with them was my trust in God knowing He was with them and me the entire time.
They all provided the road and way to a comeback, I followed and believed them and worked, worked, worked both during my sessions at the clinic and when I was at home.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Omaha Physical Therapy Institute?
I believe the thing I enjoyed most about OPTI was the people I worked with- especially my physical therapist, Katie. Everyone there is so passionate, encouraging, and supportive. From the minute you walk in, you are warmly greeted and made to feel like a member of their OPTI family whose mission is help you achieve your personal comeback. They truly made, and continue to make, my every visit there a remarkable one.
What advice would you give someone that is recovering from injury?
To someone who is on their own comeback journey, I would say:
- 1. Have a positive attitude
- 2. Be thankful for what you already have and can do
- 3. Listen and know your physical therapist wants to help you
- 4. Do your home exercises… w o r k – w o r k – w o r k
- 5. Encourage others
- 6. Keep looking forward
What have you accomplished since coming back from your injury?
Since my injury, my #1 accomplishment has been to just be able to walk again. I have also continued my commitment to being in the best shape that I can be by regular attendance at the Wellness Program at OPTI and visiting the fitness room where we live every other day.
What have you been able to return to since your injury?
My comeback has welcomed a return of so many activities I love – substitute teaching, helping at church (but no more ladders!), going for walks alone or with friends, and going to college sports events. My comeback has also made me so thankful for all the things I CAN do, decreasing my worry about what I cannot do.
Thank you, OPTI, for my comeback!