Woman run over on Edinburgh's Calder Road left in a 'lonely place' as she struggles with severe injuries
Mental health nurse Lynda was run over by a car on Calder Road on November 1 and is still recovering from her injuries
A mental health nurse who was run over by a car in Edinburgh has told how the sudden loss of her independence has left her in a “very lonely place”.
NHS worker Lynda, who suffered a crush injury to her leg following the collision on Calder Road on November 1, said she was still experiencing the worst pain of her life and remains reliant on crutches.
The latest scans have ruled out concerns over compartment syndrome, while doctors have found no current symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
She was discharged from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s ambulatory care service on Wednesday after doctors confirmed her swelling was reducing and her injuries appeared to be healing.
However, Lynda said she was still experiencing significant pain and has been referred for physiotherapy to help restore her mobility.
She said: “I’m still in absolute agony. My leg is in the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
The mental health nurse, who previously described herself as an independent and active person, said the impact of her injuries had left her struggling with even the most basic everyday activities.
She revealed she has only managed to shower twice since November 1 because she was unable to stand for long enough, instead having to resort to washing at the sink.
She also said she has been relying on others for help with tasks such as getting to the toilet.
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Lynda said: “It’s just really difficult to go from someone that has previously been so independent and so highly driven.
“I cold-water swim, I have a range of activities that I like to do and right now I can't do anything.”
She added that she is struggling with the loss of independence, saying: “It’s a very lonely place.”
Despite being signed off work until November 19, Lynda said she was unlikely to return by that date, with her employer agreeing that she would probably need several more weeks away.
She was told recovery from a crush injury could take between six months and a year, although she has not been given a definite timeframe.
Lynda also raised concerns about the lack of communication from police investigating the incident.
She said she had repeatedly contacted Police Scotland through 101 in an attempt to speak to the investigating officer but had still not been given the opportunity to provide her statement.
“I’ve still not given a statement. I’ve still not had anyone contact me and honestly, I’m left in the dark right now,” she said.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Enquiries are ongoing.”
With no clear recovery timeframe and much of her independence taken away, Lynda said she was finding the uncertainty particularly difficult.
She added: “It’s a very lonely place, not knowing where things go, what’s next or what the future looks like.”