Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Assaulted by a patient

Well, I worked at Spring Grove Hospital. A year ago, I was assaulted by a 400 pound patient. The bones in my face were crushed and replaced with titanium, spending a week in Shock Trauma for surgery and recovery. In a years time, I don’t feel any better emotionally, and think more recently have felt more depressed. The assault has negatively affected my family, my finances including my credit rating, plans for a secure future, whether or not to return to my occupation as a social worker. Still on workman’s comp which doesn’t not cover the 2nd job I worked, the system has devastated me even more. I have so many questions about life after trauma.

Reply: Assaulted by a patient

Debbie- How devastating. Trauma has a way of leaking into so many different aspects of a person’s life. Please join us at our support group. You can meet other survivors that can understand how you feel or you can call me anytime.

Liz Wysocki
TSN Coordinator @ Shock Trauma
410-706-1239

Reply: Assaulted by a patient

Debbie, please dont feel that way. I know that it has been so hard for you, because I have been there. I may not have had to go through all the same things, but the whole aspect is about the same for us. In August 2006, my face was crushed in an ATV accident. I too have a titatium face now. My eyes sockets were shattered, my chin shattered, and everything else broken multiple times. Needless to say, it was rough. And it has changed my looks and the way I feel about myself. The first year or two was the hardest! I will agree! Money was a big issue for us as well, because although medical bills are growing, and you are unable to work…finanical burden is setting in very strongly. But it will get better. You will find strength from this and you will grow and this will help you instead of hurt you!!! If you ever need to talk, please feel free to email or call me. Sometimes it just helps to vent to someone who knows and has been there…or is still there!! Just hang in there and try to stay as positive as you can. We are all here if you need us.