A week after being discharged, I hopped on crutches straight to the gym

Exactly one year has passed since the accident, which resulted in the amputation of my left leg below the knee. On the night of May 8–9, 2019, I had a bit too much port wine and thought a night ride through St. Petersburg would be a good idea. I was wrong! They say the only people who never make mistakes are those who never try, but in this case, it would have been better not to try. I exceeded the speed limit and couldn’t handle the turn…

The soft tissues of my foot were severely damaged. The doctors tried for two weeks to save it, but it was impossible. I was deeply supported by my mom, brother, sister, my girlfriend, friends, colleagues from the theater studio, and even acquaintances.

The main timeline of this year’s key events is as follows:

• 34 days in the hospital; a week after being discharged, I hopped on crutches straight to the gym;
• Two weeks later, I returned to the stage with my theater studio team;
• Three weeks later, I took my first steps on a training prosthesis;
• From late July to late September, I started a new job as a sales manager;
• I also added part-time work as a taxi driver (yes, it’s true);
• I returned to filming as an extra and in small roles for movies and TV series;
• In early November, I received my second prosthesis;
• At the end of November, I returned to Odesa and immediately started a new job as a financial services consultant;
• By April, I got a new pair of prostheses and a tattoo on my back.

During my hospital stay, I lost 25 kg, but I regained them over six months of training. I’ve also started writing poetry again.

I’ve drawn many conclusions: I have a strong family, reliable friends, and I’m surrounded by many good, sincere people who are ready to help. People believe in me, not pity me. I’ve given up bad habits! Life is one, and there’s no time for self-torment or regret over losses. Everything passes, and this too shall pass. We’re accountable for everything. Be grateful, don’t fear making mistakes, and don’t look for someone to blame. It’s never too late to start something new!

The amputation made adjustments to my life, but it didn’t make it worse or better — just a little different from before!

I’ve become stronger!

For amputees, I’ll say what I heard from surgeons, something that was incredibly important: “The quality of life depends only on us!”.

Everything is easier than it seems or than others say! Don’t pity yourself, and don’t seek pity from others. Don’t be lazy! Don’t be afraid! Don’t be angry! You can do anything! Boundaries are conditional. Your capabilities are unlimited!

P.S. I’ll get back to riding a motorcycle as soon as I can afford one — bikers are never former bikers!