I was shocked that people I considered my friends didn't even bother to call. I had worked with most of them for over 10 years. It really hurt. Years later I ran into one of these friends and I point blank ask her why. She said, "It hurt me so much to see you in the shape you were in." That wasn't a good excuse imo but I realized it's peoples nature to avoid situations that make them uncomfortable. Reach out to those you care about and don't give up on them. They're just being human.

but its going to be uncomfortable and awkward forever

I don't know if it get any less awkard and unfortable for your friends but I know it has become less award and uncomfortable f or me. It's been over 17 years now since I became a hemiplegic and I no longer get mad when stangers stare or ask me what "what happened to you". I have developed a sense of humor. I once told a nosey ol lady that a clown ran over me on a unicycle when she asked me what was wrong with me. I realy can't say how people looking at me feel but It has gotten easier for me over the years to deal with how i feel about me. I had a NDE in 1998 and that has changed how i see everything, even my paralysis.

Yes, I have lost many friends, I get looks when I wear shorts and my leg brace is visible. I am really tired, I am the same person, just with different activities. I am sorry to hear this has happened to you. I am unable to give any advice today, as I am rather bitter myself, today. I will get back to you when I figure this day out. Until then, know that you are still a special person to a lot of people and know that you are still the same person as before. Have a great day! Some people are just limited in their capabilities, and capacity to realize that you are still you!

I fell off a bridge while on vacation and broke my back and became a T-5 paraplegic back in 2003. My sister took care of me for 5 years afterwards. I remember crying to my sister cause I didn't want to go to walmart shopping. I didn't want eveyone staring at me. Going out to eat was the worst for me. Could never get close enough to the table. If I missed my mouth. I just felt so abnormal. Inside i was so angry. Looking back now I wasted 5 years of my life being depressed. But maybe I had to go through that to appreciate life now. I feel independent now and i went to wal mart one day without telling my family. I called a taxi and I was so scared but I went and it was so wonderful. Nobody was staring at me. Everyone was helpful and had smiles because I was smiling and felt confident, it was so liberating and it felt so good. I should say I am in a nursing home and this one is only 2 years old and what shocked me back to reality I believe is that for the first time in 7 yrs could fit into the bathroom and brush my teeth like "normal" people. I could take care of my own hair and put make-up on again after 7 years. It is hard to explain but it was like the "Sue" before my accident happened. And I haven't looked back since. I go out to resaurants all the time now. All I can say is feel good about yourself, feel confident in yourself and it will show to other people who you come in contact with and most are very receptive and the others who want to act negative around me, they aren't worth my time at all. They shouldn't be worth your time either. We all have to be proud of ourselves for each and every day and taking it one day at a time. When you can get over that trust me the weight on your shoulders will be so much lighter and your days will be so much more easier to live them to the fullest. I hope this makes sense and will help some of you. I am here to ask any questions. Not saying that I have all the answers. I don't. I just know what helped me.

I did lose some friends shortly after my accident. The close friends that I had are still around but it is not the same as it was before. We still hang out but the amount of activities that we do together has been minimal. I know this is a difficult time for you but sometimes your friends may be having a hard time adjusting as well. Do not give up hope that they will not come back into your life because more likely they will. It is a big lifestyle change for all those involved and soon that uncomfortable feeling your friends are experiencing will subside, especially if you remain the same person you were prior to your injury. Hold your head high.

I was in a car wreck in 2007 and am now a para.. In one word, YES. Many people I thought were friends did not hang around very long. You will find out who your real friends are! A girl I considered my best friend quickly vanished from my life. It was very difficult for me to deal with. It did not help any that my true best friend, my husband, was killed in the wreck.
The only advice I can give you is turn to God, lean on your family, and find some people that can relate. Where I live there are several groups for people with disabilities.
You will make new friends and it will get better.
Hang in there. I will pray for you.

I hear ya. I lost a lot of people that day. One of my favorite people in the world didn't make it, while I barely barely did. As for other not in the car, well, yeah I lost some too.

But, to call them friends, I wouldn't go that far. Sure, I thought they were friends, but after the accident, I felt like they showed their true faces - and they weren't too pretty. On the other hand, a couple true friends were unshakable. Knowing the difference was a true gift.

That just my view, and it was a long time ago. I'm sorry that you're feeling the loss now. Unfortunately, for some people, this may be yet another 'time heals all wounds' thing. Wishing you the best.