Life has a way of surprising us — sometimes with moments of joy and at other times with challenges that may seem impossible to overcome. So, how does one find the strength to rebuild after a life-altering tragedy? Precious Uche Omagha has the perfect answer to this question. SONIA OKERE reports
At the age of 19, Precious survived a devastating car accident that led to the amputation of her right hand. Yet, rather than allowing this tragedy to end her dreams, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of courage, faith, and transformation.
The journey that changed my life
It was December 23, 2014—a day that began like any other but ended up changing my life forever. My younger brother and I were traveling to Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for Christmas. As usual, I was excited about the holiday, but little did I know that the excitement would soon turn into fear.
During the journey, when we got to Mile 2 in Ebonyi State, I noticed the driver was struggling to control the vehicle. Then he said that the car’s brakes had failed. Meanwhile, I had never been in an accident before, and the thought terrified me. I was sitting in the front, and as the brakes failed, the driver tried to regain control by swerving the car. Everything happened so fast—my hand slipped outside and the vehicle somersaulted.
December 23, 2014 began like any other but ended up changing my life forever
My right hand was trapped beneath the vehicle. The pain was unbearable. When they finally lifted the vehicle up, my right hand was completely shattered—skin torn apart and bones exposed. It was unpleasant to look at.
A crowd gathered and helped to pull out those trapped inside the vehicle. While others had injuries, mine was the most severe. Thankfully, they rushed us to the nearest hospital. However, when the doctors saw the state of my injury, they said they couldn’t handle it, and I was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu.
In the ambulance, my right arm bled continuously despite the first aid. When we reached UNTH, I wasn’t admitted because the doctors were on strike. At that point, I was losing consciousness from blood loss. My injury was so severe that even a bandage couldn’t hold it together. They had to use cartons to pack the flesh.
After hours of delay, I was eventually taken to Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Emene, Enugu, where I was admitted and booked for surgery.
My injury was so severe that they had to use cartons to pack the flesh
The surgery
On December 25, 2014, while others celebrated Christmas, I was in the theater fighting for my life. My blood level was nine percent, and I was transfused with 11 pints of blood. The doctors tried their best to save my hand, but I already knew it was beyond repair. By then the hand was rotten and smelling. My only prayer was for God to save my life. They used skin from my thigh to fix my upper arm, thereafter, the lower arm was amputated. After the surgery, I couldn’t sit up for three weeks due to the pain. Thankfully, after spending many weeks in the hospital, I was finally discharged.
Living as an amputee
Learning to live with one hand was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. Imagine a 19-year-old person relearning even the simplest tasks. I was in a tertiary institution when I had the accident and had to defer my study until I recovered. I kept covering my right upper arm with mufflers so people wouldn’t see the deformity! I hated going outside or meeting people. I still remember how my mother kept encouraging me to stop using those scarves, but I refused. I was trapped by my disability for four years. It took divine intervention for me to break free and become proud of myself.
Have I been stigmatized for having one hand? Oh yes! An ex-boyfriend told me he was doing me a favour by dating me. I also had friends who left. However, instead of feeling disappointed, I learned to keep my emotions in check and never let people’s actions hurt me. Thankfully, since I regained my self esteem, I have met wonderful people who truly love me for who I am.
I was trapped by my disability for four years. It took divine intervention for me to break free and become proud of myself
According to British actress and activist Emma Thompson, ”Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life.” I once promised myself that my disability would never define me. This mindset helped me to conquer my fears. So, after I got healed, I went back to complete my university education.
One lesson I have learned from my journey is that the only barriers that hold us back are the ones we build in our minds. If you are determined and resilient, nothing can stop you from achieving greatness.
