One step at a time

Corey Ford and his father Murray, co-owners of Laser Plumbing Dunedin Central.

Recovery from a major accident can take a toll on the injured person’s emotional wellbeing, as they deal with the impacts on their physical health and ability to work. NZ Plumber talked to Dunedin plumber Corey Ford about his experience.

AUTHOR: LOIS OLDEHAVER

Corey Ford, co-owner of Laser Plumbing Dunedin Central, has been fighting for the past 17 months to recover from a freak accident that temporarily paralysed him from the neck down.

Supported by his wife Cherie and their sons Nikau (11) and Ihaia (seven), he has inspired those around him by not letting his accident define him, focusing instead on what he can do instead of what he cannot.

“When I was early in my recovery, I was told by a doctor that one day I’ll be glad my accident happened. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting there.”

No feeling from shoulders down

In June last year, mid-basketball game, Corey was knocked unconscious after an accidental collision with another player.

“I’m still not exactly sure what happened. When I came to, I was lying on the court. I couldn’t feel anything from my shoulders down.”

The next thing he remembers is waking up on the cold ground.

“My best friend Tony McEntyre, he’s a firefighter, was right by my side when it happened. He braced my neck and put me in a secure position until the paramedics arrived.”

By sheer luck, a second firefighter and a doctor were also nearby to help Corey.

“I was really lucky they were all there. If I had moved during that time, I could have severed my spinal cord and never regained feeling.”

The highs and lows of recovery

The days that followed were a blur. Corey remembers the pain like his body was burning from the inside, and how scared his family was.

He was first taken to Dunedin Hospital, then Christchurch Hospital, and eventually Christchurch’s specialist rehabilitation centre, Burwood Hospital, to start recovery.

There he was told he had central cord syndrome—a type of spinal injury caused by a sudden twist of his neck, putting pressure on the spine. Despite age and good health on his side, doctors were careful to remain neutral about his recovery, making no promises that he would walk again.

Helping him stay strong during this time was support from family and friends. Corey’s wife, Cherie, a te reo Māori teacher, took 10 weeks off work to be by his side, while his mum made sure their sons were looked after and his dad took care of the business. A Givealittle page was also set up by his brother and brother-in-law, raising just under $15,000 to help get the family back on its feet.

“My wife was my rock. You hear about when people have accidents they go into survival mode, that’s what she did. I had

Corey, Cherie and their sons Nikau and Ihaia enjoying a well-deserved break in Fiji after his injury. “My wife was my rock,” says Corey of Cherie’s support after the accident.

some really dark days coming to terms with what had happened but knowing I had her, and my friends and whanau definitely gave me the push I needed. I never felt alone.”

Surpassing doctors’ expectations, Corey did in fact start to regain some feeling early on in his rehabilitation and was thankfully able to walk again. First with the aid of a walker at three weeks, and then, amazingly, at five weeks, walking short lengths unassisted.

Learning to walk again—17 months after the accident, Corey is back to his business part-time, for 12 hours a week, as part of ACC’s back-to-work programme.

“I remember one doctor walked in and checked my notes and then said to me, ‘Wow, you shouldn’t be doing that’. That was a good feeling.”

Corey’s quick recovery meant he was discharged in 10 weeks instead of the planned four months.

To keep his spirits high after arriving home to a Level 4 lockdown and isolation, Cherie would leave the words ‘Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui’ (be strong, be brave, be steadfast) for him to wake up to. “Little things like that helped me through the hard times after the hospital. They became our family motto.”

What life looks like now

These days, pain and fatigue are Corey’s daily reminders of his accident. He also has only minimal sensation in his legs, torso, feet, and hands.

Though he worries sometimes if this is as good as it’s going to get, 17 months on, his recovery is going to plan.

He’s been able to return to his business part-time, for 12 hours a week as part of ACC’s back-to-work programme, and is enjoying having normality back in his days.

“When people see I can walk, they assume I’m cured which can be a common misconception. My journey definitely isn’t over, it’s just all about the small gains now.”

In terms of what’s next for Corey, he’s excited about the idea of getting back on a construction site. His goal is to build up his hours so his father Murray Ford, the business co-owner, can retire.

“My dad was close to retiring before my accident happened. He, along with my other colleagues, really stepped up to keep everything moving and I’d love for him to be able to step back completely.”

As for his home life, his sights are set on getting back on the water with his whanau, who are keen wakesurfers and wakeboarders.

His advice now to anyone going through something tough—always remember that tomorrow’s a new day, and no matter how bad today is it can always be better tomorrow.

ACC WELLBEING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT INJURY RECOVERY

ACC research shows that helping an injured employee stay connected to their workplace is good for their physical and mental recovery. It encourages social interaction, routine, and a sense of purpose, which all contribute to a better recovery.

ACC has created some resources to help employers understand their role in recovery at work and start the conversation with their injured team members.

ACC has also partnered and invested with organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and Mentemia, which all have a common purpose of helping employers work towards having a mentally well workforce, with the aim of preventing injuries happening at work and keeping their people safe.

Find the resources at www.acc. co.nz/for-business/supportingyour-injured-employee-torecover-at-work