My name is Britney Gilliam, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I grew up in a single parent household. My mother worked hard to provide for all four of her children. Involving myself in the Christian Church at a young age, I now withhold values such as having faith, loving others, and treating others as one wishes to be treated. I pursued nursing and became a licensed practical nurse back in 2014. I have worked in the medical field since I was 19 years old. I empathize with helping others that are in need, especially in life changing situations. Working as a nurse allows me to open the compassionate side to me as I care for others. I realized that delivering quality care is an important aspect in the health care industry. Quality over quantity is often overlooked within the field. I was once in an abusive relationship, and a part of my mission is to reach out to others that have been victimized in domestic violence relationships. Part of my mission is to engage in community outreach programs that include volunteering at local shelters that serve women and their children who have become victims of domestic violence. Coping for me, includes speaking out about my past domestic issue, counseling, and journaling my feelings. Perhaps I can assist others with coping skills to recognize troubling situations that may lead to any type of abuse. On March 18, 2020 I was injured due to a car accident. The popliteal artery in my right leg was severed causing compartment syndrome and I had an open dislocation of my right ankle. I needed emergency surgery in which a fasciotomy was performed at St. Mary’s hospital located in Livonia, Michigan. I was admitted to St. Mary’s hospital and I was there for a one- month period. There were more than 10 surgeries performed on my right ankle in an attempt to save my right leg. At one point I had a fixator on my right ankle for a period of 4 months in an attempt to correct the foot drop of my right foot. Physical therapy and occupational therapy were highly recommended in which my weekly routine revolved around medical appointments and therapy sessions. I have had many complications with my right ankle due to an ongoing infection called osteomyelitis. The intravenous antibiotics would only work for a short time then the signs and symptoms of infection would surface. I was at risk for sepsis therefore the doctors advised for a right leg amputation. At the end of September of 2021, I had a below the knee amputation of my right leg. From March of 2020 up until now my life has dramatically changed in a tremendous way. During this journey my mental health suffered as I had to learn how to adapt to my new lifestyle changes. This included coping with depression, learning how to walk and managing my care for activities of daily living. My mental health directly affected myself motivation within the recovery process. I went through a multitude of duress, stress and impacted self-image. My priorities shifted from my passions to my overall recovery with my physical and mental health. As of today, I am blessed to be in a much better head space mentally. I utilize all my resources of support. I thank God for allowing me to live on and continue to heal.
