A Conversation with KC

Cool Things: Stay in the Fight

Today I deviate from the format of my first few podcasts by having a conversation with a friend and former patient, KC Cooper. KC has been grappling for well over 10 years, but also participates in other cool and sometimes-dangerous activities.

In September of 2019, KC sustained a complex fracture of the tibia and fibula doing what is referred to has "cowboy protection" at a local rodeo. It's essentially a game of tag played with an angry and agile bull.

KC's injury was so severe, he immediately underwent surgery that evening to stabilize his lower leg. It took three months before he could begin to bear weight through his leg and begin the process of rehabilitation. A year after his injury he was back to doing what he loved at the rodeo and on the mats, but the process wasn't easy. He got through the challenges restoring mobility, strength, and balance to his lower extremity and finally got back to doing what he loved. Today he's back on the mats and the ring.

We discuss the injury and how the recovery has gone including some of his biggest challenges and the mindset behind getting over a pretty formidable trauma. As I've said many times, a big injury can be a crossroad for people who do cool things. Even to this day, KC continues to struggle with some aspects of the process. We talk about his injury and the recovery, including some of the more challenging aspects of it and the things that made a difference for him.

I hope this episode offers some insight into the injury recovery process directly from a patient's perspective. The struggle is tough and at times mentally/emotionally frustrating. With a healthy mindset and a reasonable approach to rehab, you will get back out there.

Until next time - Stay in the Fight.

Rod