Felicia Pasadyn, a resident physician and competitive marathon runner, is recovering from severe injuries sustained after being struck by a truck while running on September 9. In an account, Pasadyn details the physical and psychological toll of the accident, which occurred while she was in a crosswalk with the walk signal active.
Injuries Sustained in the Collision
The truck, traveling at approximately 45 miles per hour, threw Pasadyn into the air. Upon impact, she sustained a range of internal injuries, including a splenic laceration, an adrenal hematoma, and bleeding from both kidneys and paraspinal muscles.
Pasadyn indicates she also suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to her clavicle, manubrium, two ribs, and three lumbar transverse processes. She additionally sustained an extensive fracture of her pelvic bone at the base of her spine, alongside deep puncture wounds to her knee and road rash covering roughly 30 percent of her body.
Recovery and Loss of Independence
Six weeks post-accident, Pasadyn reports that she is still learning to walk without the assistance of a walker. She describes the initial two weeks following her hospital discharge as "brutal," noting that basic movements like rolling over in bed or showering caused significant pain. Because her mobility was severely restricted, she required daily injections to prevent blood clots.
Beyond the physical limitations, Pasadyn writes about the challenge of losing the independence she relied on as a resident physician and high-level athlete. Previously accustomed to a 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. schedule that included marathon training and clinical work, she found the transition to needing daily assistance with tasks like dressing and preparing meals to be a profound adjustment.
Returning to Normal Life
While Pasadyn remains optimistic about returning to medicine and running, she emphasizes that her recovery timeline remains uncertain. She is currently documenting her journey on social media to connect with others facing similar recoveries, stating that she wants to highlight the "painful parts" of the process that are often hidden.
Pasadyn credits her faith and the support of her family for her survival and progress. She maintains that the experience has fundamentally changed her perspective on what constitutes strength, noting that it includes the ability to ask for help and practice patience during the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries did Felicia Pasadyn sustain in the accident?
Pasadyn suffered a splenic laceration, an adrenal hematoma, bleeding from both kidneys and paraspinal muscles, and multiple fractures, including to her clavicle, ribs, and pelvis. She also sustained deep puncture wounds and extensive road rash.
How long has it been since the accident occurred?
The accident took place on September 9. As of her recent account, Pasadyn is six weeks into her recovery process.
Why is Felicia Pasadyn sharing her story publicly?
Pasadyn states she is sharing her journey to let others know they are not alone, particularly during the difficult, invisible stages of recovery. She hopes to remind others not to take their health or independence for granted.
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