Joining the Army was something that I always wanted to do. It was a good opportunity to develop my skills and serve my country. I was a Sergeant First Class and was on active duty in Iraq for 11 months.  I was injured in Habbaniyah, Iraq on March 28, 2006.  We were performing convoy security duty and my vehicle was hit. Two other soldiers were injured and one soldier died. At that point I didn’t know the extent of my injuries. I just knew that my back was stiff and I couldn't move without extreme pain. 

I had three surgeries to remove some of the shrapnel from my back. I had steroid injections and nine months of physical therapy for my neck and back. Even after these treatments, I didn't have any idea what my body was capable of handling or how to manage my chronic pain. This was frustrating because I didn’t know how to move forward with my life.

I was referred to the UI Spine Center by my Army case manager. During my evaluation at the Spine Center, I began to see there was hope for my situation, that there really were answers for what I needed to do to recover from my injuries. 

I completed the UI Spine Center Rehab Program in August 2007. There, I learned what I could do to reduce my stress level. The physical therapy helped me understand what my physical abilities and limitations were. I learned how to exercise safely so I could continue to stay in shape. I received vocational counseling and began to think about possible career directions. I learned how to care for my injuries in a way that allowed me to live with minimal pain and get back to living my life again. 

Since completing Spine Rehab I have not needed additional medications, injections or surgeries.  I do my daily physical therapy exercises and practice my coping skills. Pain and fear of pain no longer control my life. I now have the knowledge and practical tools that I need to care of my body and live a quality life. 

I encourage others who are tired of living in pain and on medications to visit the UI Spine Center.  I want to thank all the staff at the Spine Center, because by teaching me how to manage my pain you gave me the opportunity to focus on my goals for the future again.