Exit Wounds: A Survival Guide to Pain Management for Veterans

posted on Nov 17 by Stacy in the Disability News category

Derek McGinnis was wounded in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 9, 2004. In a new book he chronicles his experiences, a story of traumatic brain injury, loss of his left leg above the knee, and how he learned to run again with a prosthesis. He also gives advice to veterans who are facing life with chronic pain. McGinnis says “it is OK to have mental pain, it is OK to have chronic pain, there are methods to have a productive life.” His 200 page book also covers treatment options, exercise, and emotional wounds of war.

After years spent in rehabilitation at naval and veterans hospitals, McGinnis now has his mobility back. He runs again with a flexible prosthetic that he wears for races while competing with Semper Fi, a team that raises money for wounded soldiers and their families. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of resources and services that have helped me recover” he said “I want to do whatever I can to help others.”

Along with studying for his masters degree in social work, McGinnis works for the American Pain Foundation as an amputee outreach advocate.

More at the Miami Herald:Wounded Vet Shares Strength