Doctor says I can never ride again...

Thank you so much for all of your input. I have the same problem with longing - I get very dizzy! I will discuss the 'crystals' with my doctor and see what she thinks, as well as the neurologist. I would be taking it very slow for a while until I get my bearings again - this is the longest I've been without riding for so long and it's so frustrating! But I will get there eventually I know, it is just very hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now

I'd seek a second opinion from a different doctor. Like any profession there are good, bad and busy Drs. The easiest and fastest answer is to not ride - it might well be very valid, but I think I'd seek other opinions first.

Due to personal history, I have much distrust in doctors. What bothers me the most about this though is that this particular doctor has always been spot on with every diagnosis and has gone way above and beyond to help me with everything. But I will get at least one other opinion, probably two

DCG, you have been given tons of excellent advice here and lots to think about. Certainly, if you feel you absolutely must ride again, that which you wrote above, just might be the only way you will ever ride again. I'm sure it is not what you want to hear, but it just might be. And of course, better than never being able to get up on horseback again. If your condition does improve in time, then you might be able to ride without side-walkers. This, even though you might not be able to leave the safety of an arena with people close by to help, if you find yourself in trouble.

By what you say though, I don't think you'll be able to ride out on trails etc., for some time. Maybe months. Maybe years. Maybe never. Don't give up hope, but don't hope for too much. Take it one day at a time and don't push yourself too fast. Patience is the word here, I think.

What happens if you can never ride again? Well it has happened to millions, I'm quite sure. I have not been able to ride for years, because of my back. So what do you do? Well you put your efforts into other horse-related activities. Your therapeutic programme obviously keeps you and the family, very involved.

Keep a journal about your accidents and riding problems, from beginning to end. Who knows, one day it might turn into a valuable book for others, who have suffered similarly.

Good luck and do keep us posted. I know we all here, wish you well.

Lizzie

What about driving a buggy? Horse agility with minis looks super fun too but that would be a better thing to consider once your balance is better.
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FeatheredFeet, thank you so much! I do feel better about it now, I will not give up hope! I have a great opportunity with trained volunteers, and I would like their help to get back on my feet. They have been following my story and are willing to help! I will take it slow for a while until I'm feeling better. Thank you! :)

DancingArabian, I have actually considered that! I will look into agility when I'm feeling better, and I am thinking of getting my PATH certification in driving. Thank you for your suggestion! I will definitely keep everyone posted!

My doctor is not real thrilled about me riding again either. The difference is that my brain isn't affected, and I'm an old fart. He's worried about bones and a chest I've managed to deform. I'll be riding again, just as soon as I find a VERY quiet, calm, trail horse and I will never ride alone.

That being said...You are young. You have your whole life ahead of you and I want you to think very seriously about something my doctor told me: There are worse things than dying. You are having problems now with injury to your brain. I would be very, very careful and I would be listening to my doctors and asking very pointed questions. It doesn't take much to have brain damage...even one bad fall can ruin your life. Yes, you may be walking around, talking, feeding yourself, but your short term memory may be impaired...or gone. Your ability to reason may be affected. Someone may have to be responsible for you for the rest of your life. Your decision may very well impact others.

A story: We hired a person to handle the affairs of our organization: fund accounting, budget reports, etc. (public entity) This person had been a professor of accounting in a major university and retired early. What we didn't know until later (because he showed ABSOLUTELY no signs) was that he had suffered a fall from his bicycle and had brain damage. The man could not fill out a deposit slip or add up a column of figures. He was charming and intelligent and TOTALLY UNEMPLOYABLE! When faced with a number, his mind went blank. He could not remember 2 things to do...only 1. And then you had to repeat instructions. It was sad.
One spill from a bike ruined this man's life.

You are at the beginning of your life. Tread very, very carefully and think long and hard before you take risks with your brain. I hope you can find a balance that will allow you to be safe AND happily involved with horses.

I completely agree with you. I am going to start out slowly and very safely and see if there is any improvement. If I see none, I will not go any farther with my riding. I will focus more on groundwork and training. Thank you!!! Lots to think about...