Since Julien Lang was hit by a lorry, his life has changed dramatically. The severe traumatic brain injury he suffered in the accident meant that at first he was unable to breathe, eat or walk. After several periods of rehabilitation, a lot of training and sheer willpower, he is now on his way back to his job.
On 1 February 2023, I went jogging, just as I did every day. As I was crossing a zebra crossing, I was hit by a lorry. To be precise, it was a refuse collection lorry. But that’s all I can remember. I was in a coma for four weeks. When I woke up, I was in the branch of the Kliniken Schmieder in Stuttgart. I had a severe traumatic brain injury and was fitted with a tracheal cannula and a feeding tube. I couldn’t walk. The doctors had to remove a piece of my skull on the day of the accident. Shortly after it was reinserted, I came to the Schmieder Clinics in Gerlingen for rehabilitation about three months after the accident.
That’s where I learned to walk again. It was hard work. As soon as I could, I walked as much as possible. The Solitude Palace is near the clinic, and I often walked there. One day, I even walked there three times. I jog there from time to time now. Before the accident, I did that every day. The accident changed many things. My working memory and planning skills are not what they used to be. I also have difficulties with my balance and coordination. The biggest change is that I no longer work. I used to work in finance and would like to return to that field. I am now at the Stuttgart Day Clinic for the second time, this time for vocational rehabilitation. My doctor is very helpful; she is doing her best to get me back to work. She has spoken to my employer, arranged an appointment with the company doctor, and so on. I now work two to three days a week at my old company. The ideal situation would be if I could be gradually reintegrated after rehabilitation. That is definitely the goal. My employer would also like to have me back on board.
I have already made such great progress that I can walk again! I have also become mentally fitter, and my memory has improved since the last rehabilitation. I am working hard on this and have several brain training programmes at home. In the future, I definitely want to work again and otherwise have as few limitations as possible. I just want to continue living a normal life. My family and friends give me strength. Just meeting up with friends and talking to them does me good. Recently, I went to a concert in Gelsenkirchen with a mate, which was really cool. At home, I currently enjoy listening to audiobooks, which I didn’t do before.
I am someone with strong willpower. When I set a goal for myself, I usually achieve it. My family also says that I have always had an unshakeable will. That is very beneficial for me today. Without this will, I think it would have been difficult. My advice to others: always want and do. Believe in yourself and stay positive.
