Adrian’s Story
In December 2013 I was extensively burnt while on a camping trip with friends.
What happened?
In December 2013 my life changed dramatically when I was extensively burnt while on a camping trip with friends. I suffered 75% burns to my body.
My treatment and recovery journey
It’s been a long road to recovery. Due to the extent of my burns, I had around 20 operations over four and a half years. It hasn’t just been the burns themselves I’ve had to deal with, but also the complications that arose from such a major injury.
In the early stages of recovery, I had to learn to walk again. It took me 10 weeks! For six months my days consisted of travelling to Royal Perth Hospital for my session which started at 8:30am. I had one and a half hours physiotherapy, one and a half hours with an occupational therapist, a lunch break, and then a shower before my dressings were changed.
The treatment I was given enabled me to participate in the HBF Run for a Reason 4km walk/run just six months after my accident, and two years later I abseiled 220m down the Central Park building to raise money to support burns research.
My life now
I’ve made a terrific recovery and now only make the trip to RPH three times a week. Not being able to bend my elbows more than 45⁰ or move muscles in my fingers is very frustrating, but I’m undergoing laser therapy which is helping with my range of motion.
I am living independently and have resumed work as a mechanical engineer. My goal was to go snowboarding in Japan, which I have achieved!
I participate in research projects undertaken by the Foundation and advocate for the research work wherever and whenever I can.
Adrian
