Richard Stott

[Stagsfell]

I suffered trauma to my face after a firearm accident. Significant damage and reconstruction of my jaw and soft tissue. Basically a bit of a mess. I was hoping to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience!

[EvaChangingFaces Partner]

Hello Stagsfell and Welcome to the Changing Faces Community! It sounds like you've been through a lot recently and it must be challenging going through the post surgery recovery and managing the physical symptoms as well as processing the trauma from the firearm accident and how it is affecting you emotionally and mentally. Hopefully you are receiving all the support that you need to get through this from professional and/or personal sources.

Thank you for sharing your situation with everyone here. I think that other members here would be able to relate to what you’re saying and maybe they could share some of their experiences with you. I hope you find this a helpful and safe place to hear from others and share your thoughts and feelings.

Take care,

Eva - ChangingFaces

[Stagsfell in reply to EvaChangingFaces]

Thank you, any experiences anyone wants to share will be helpful. Got a long road ahead and operations to come.

[Stagsfell in reply to EvaChangingFaces]

Just got a long road of recovery ahead.. Several operations over what will probably be a twelve month period. It takes some getting ones head around. Just got to keep strong and focused. Fed through a tube in the stomach isn’t my idea of heaven for months but it’s my reality at the moment. Hopefully the next op will form a seal on my mouth and hopefully I’ll be able to drink normally.. goal number one !

[Circuitbreaker Community Ambassador in reply to Stagsfell]

Oh man. I can relate to some of this, though the cause was so very different. How long ago was the surgery? My own was approaching 5 months ago and im still tired out by it. Think for me, its just the regular ongoing maintenance!!

The healing process i’m finding to be really powerful, and everything is healing well, but it doesnt half take some strength out of you!

Keep talking as you need and feel able. Hopefully you will find it therapeutic, and others might too! Best wishes for your continued recovery!

[Circuitbreaker Community Ambassador]

Hi Stagsfell, and welcome!

I cannot imagine we have many members with such a dramatic story to tell, but the truth is, whatever caused your visible difference, the pain it causes you is no different! We all have stories to tell, and some of them are incredible, but another truth is this. Never stop believing in the incredible power of being an individual! You are absolutely unique, and there can never be another you! Its the ultimate diversity!! We’re not just black or white, female or male. Its so much more diverse than that! You cannot put us in a box! We are absolutely, 100 percent, unique, and perfect.! Whats not to like?!

[Yellow-wellies]

Not for the same reason but I can relate to you. I suffered a dog bite to my nose and am having reconstructive surgery - operation 6 is on Wednesday. Whilst reconstructive surgery is going well, it is traumatic because you don’t know what you will look like. That’s how I feel - hope it helps in some small way. Thinking of you and sending a hug your way. Stay strong and carry on being the amazing person you are.

[Circuitbreaker Community Ambassador in reply to Yellow-wellies]

and you Yellow Wellies. wishing you all the best with your procedure.