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“My two-wheeler was crushed under the bus, and I was in excruciating pain.”
Sadaf Shaikh
Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you couldn't walk? That’s exactly what Sadaf faced when she suffered a painful leg ligament injury. Our legs give us the freedom to go wherever we want. When something goes wrong, it can feel like losing our independence.
Meet Sadaf, a physiotherapist at Granimals. For those who don’t know, Granimals is on a mission to make the world pain-free with our online injury rehab platform. Sadaf, one of our most valued team members, has inspired and influenced countless people on our journey to greatness. Her dedication and passion are at the heart of what we do.
On December 22, 2022, Sadaf’s life changed in an instant. While on her way to visit a patient, she found herself trapped under a bus. The driver’s quick reflexes saved her life, but her two-wheeler was crushed, and she experienced excruciating pain in her left leg. Feeling paralyzed from the waist down, Sadaf was pulled to safety by nearby pedestrians. The trauma of the accident was overwhelming, and she couldn’t walk on her own due to the severe injury to her left leg. This was a life-altering moment for her.
Being a physiotherapist, Sadaf knew what to expect. On her way to the hospital, she told her husband that surgery would likely be necessary. Upon arrival, an X-ray confirmed her fears: her tibia was crushed. Despite the pain, she instructed the medical staff to brace her leg and keep the IV line open, aware of her internal bleeding. The doctor arrived, administered an analgesic injection, and scheduled her surgery for the next morning.
Due to severe internal bleeding, Sadaf developed compartment syndrome overnight. This condition causes intense pain, numbness, and swelling from internal pressure. Her doctors had to perform an emergency fasciotomy and stabilize her leg with external fixators. She lost a significant amount of blood, necessitating vacuum dressing for the next 14 days.
Over eight months, Sadaf endured three major surgeries. The constant pain and sleepless nights took a toll on her. She was bedridden for three months and relied entirely on her family for all her needs.
Just after her second surgery, Sadaf received her Dubai Health Authority License. The timing couldn’t have been worse. It had always been her dream to move back to Dubai. Ten months later, she started applying for jobs there but received no replies, adding to her stress. This accident had truly changed her life. But Sadaf was a fighter. Despite many setbacks, she didn't lose hope. She became more active on LinkedIn, searching for the right opportunity to return to work.
One day, Sadaf decided to explore remote job opportunities and within a month, she was hired at Granimals. It was a perfect fit. During an interview, she shared that she saw a Granimals video six months after her injury, marking a full-circle moment. From being a physiotherapy patient to providing physiotherapy for others, Sadaf’s journey has come a long way. She endured immense pain and now contributes to an organization dedicated to making the world pain-free.
Here’s how she did it-
The first step Sadaf took toward recovery was accepting her injury. Instead of dwelling on why it happened, she chose to face the challenge head-on. For the past year and a half, she has refrained from complaining about her situation. She believed that denying what happened would only prolong her suffering. Acceptance was key to moving forward and finding strength in tough times.
Sadaf firmly believes that happiness can be found even in the darkest times if you look for the positives. She could have suffered worse in that accident, but she survived and is grateful for this second chance. Throughout her recovery, her strong mindset kept her positive. She embraces every moment, striving to make the best out of life. Sadaf’s resilience and gratitude not only aided her healing but also inspired those around her at Granimals.
Throughout this challenging ordeal, Sadaf's family was her rock. Their unwavering support reminded her why she needed to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things got. Knowing that her daughter, husband, and loved ones relied on her, she aimed to recover not just for herself, but for them as well.
Sadaf always knew her injury was serious. From the moment she was pulled from under the bus, she decided to face the setback head-on and never considered giving up. Today, she has fully recovered and now helps many who have gone through similar experiences. It brings her immense joy to see that her journey has inspired so many people. Being part of Granimals she finds fulfillment in helping others overcome their hardships and come out stronger.
Your injury might not be the end, but rather a chance for something extraordinary to happen. Changing your outlook on adversities can help you overcome anything life throws your way. That's what we believe at Granimals. A true "Granimal" is someone who faces their challenges head-on and shows the world how it's done. Embrace the journey, find your inner strength, and turn setbacks into comebacks.
Answer- There are many ways to discover if a leg injury is serious or not, some of which are mentioned below-
If you have an injury with a deep cut
If you can see bone or tendon
If you can't walk for several days or put weight on your legs
If you have swelling, redness or warmth in your leg
Answer- In some cases, walking adds to the recovery process and is advised by the physios.
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