In July 2013 I started my residency year at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and was filled with excitement about finishing my PhD and the amazing experiences in store for that year. This was the last milestone before my degree. Like any other day preceding, I woke up on September 5th, 2013 to make the 1 hour commute from Magee to Jackson. As I was traveling through Puckett on the quiet morning, my tire went slightly off the country road and when I went to correct, I must have over-corrected on the somewhat wet ground and my tire jumped and through me into a spin.
My car spun across the country road around 7AM and forever changed the course of that year. I remember hitting the first tree, but at that point the police and EMT workers believed I hit the windshield and passed out as I continued to hit another three trees before my car came to a complete stop. I was wearing my seat belt, which is the only thing that saved me from going through the windshield. I remember coming to in my car, confused and disoriented, my whole body hurting. I stuck my hand out the window and began to wave for help, but several cars passed by before a very kind truck driver (later I learned his name was Maverick) stopped. He saw the bad shape I was in and dialed 911. I started yelling out my husband's and parents' phone numbers to the man and he began calling. My husband arrived, panicked, just as they were loading me up in the ambulance. Things are a bit blurry after that.
The bits and pieces I remember are feelings of dread and uncertainty. I had fractured my T12/L1 vertebrae, severe concussion, nerve damage in my neck, many many bruises and contusions. Doctors were informing me that I would be bed-ridden for the next 2 weeks when I returned home, wear a solid turtle-shell brace for the next 12-16 weeks, and would need Physical Therapy. I would not be able to return to residency for at least 8-10 weeks. I was so thankful I was not injured more seriously than I was, but was so upset with myself that this had happened. This may not seem like a long time to most, but any delay in your residency year means delay in finishing your PhD and graduation. I had worked so hard only to be delayed so close to the end.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not sit still for long. Being bed-ridden for two weeks felt like forever. My husband took amazing care of me. At the end of the two weeks I had to go see the spinal doctor to check on my healing fracture and injuries. We left that appointment not only learning that I was healing well, but that we were pregnant. We were in complete shock. I have severe endometriosis, and I was told from a young age that conceiving naturally was very unlikely. We were pregnant with our now 6 year old son during the time of the accident. Doctors estimate I was about 2 weeks pregnant at the time of the accident. We were filled with absolute joy and fear. Following the wreck, I had been pumped with so many medications at the ER and hospital, multiple MRIs and Xrays. Would our little baby be okay?
That year I was the most anxious I have ever felt. My residency year did not go as planned, and I missed out on a lot of professional and personal opportunities with my residency class. I returned to my residency year after convincing a doctor to release me after only four weeks of recovery. I had some wonderful supervisors that provided extra support and encouragement that year. I tried to play catch up, which was exhausting.
Having a fractured back and being pregnant is a once in a life-time strange experience. I was filled with the normal worry of a first time mom, but also the worry about the accident and the stress of still finishing my residency year. I worked myself into a frenzy researching every possible effect the accident could have had on the baby. I talked with friends, family, and my husband often. Their support provided me the strength to keep going. They helped keep me grounded.
That whole experience taught me that you can never prepare for every experience in life. You can only hold tight and ride it out. I am now the proud mom to a very healthy and smart 6 year old boy, who I have told this story to. I tell him he is my superhero and kept mommy safe during the accident. I also have a beautiful 3 year old girl. Everyone's story looks different. Never be afraid to talk to someone about yours.
-Dr. Mallory Malkin
