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"OCEANSIDE-A sports car and a station wagon driven by neighbors collided head-on on US 101 at high speed early yesterday. Four persons were injured, two seriously. The California Highway Patrol said both vehicles were demolished when the sports car, traveling 55 miles an hour, crashed with the heavier auto going 80 mph 2 1/2 miles south of San Onofre at 7:10 a.m. Taken to Camp Pendelton Naval Hospital was Marine 1st Lt. Edward Plutte, 25, driver of the sports car, serious
condition." - March 12, 1962 San Diego Union-Tribune article. Cars Driven by Neighbors Collide; four hurt.
After this accident, Ed was told that he would never have full motion in his legs again. The attending doctors even considered removing one leg all together due to the severity of injuries he sustained. Given his situation, Ed had to choose between two alternatives -- either accept that fate had dealt him a life of compromise, suffering and disability, OR take on the challenge of his situation, defy the odds, and work to re-gain the life he desired.
Being the remarkable person he is, Ed chose to step up to the challenge and fight to get his legs back under him (literally and figuratively). Who would think that the man pictured to the right, doing an air bench, is the same man that was told he would never have full motion in his legs after being involved in this horrible accident 50 years ago?
Ed underwent many intensive surgeries just to be able to walk again. The car accident mangled his legs while fracturing his L4 & L5 vertebrae. Following each of the surgeries, Ed went through physical therapy conducted by the roughest commanding officer in Camp Pendelton. Just getting to a place where he could walk well enough to get through normal daily activities, it took nearly three years of hard work and dedication. Despite many who doubted Ed's ability and desire to return to function, his own belief coupled with that of others close to him helped Ed stay positive, focused toward a life not riddled with incessant pain. Ed attributes much of his recovery to his loving wife and the bond they've shared over the past 50 years of marriage. Now, with four children and four grandchildren, it is this family bond that continues to give him the drive to not give up.
In 2003, Ed's sister recommended him to see Pete Egoscue, also a former Marine, in San Diego. At the time, Ed had been trying to work out in the gym to restore his balance on his own, but was finding that pain was showing up in his back and other places. After 6 months of Egoscue, the pain in his back went away. With the expansion of Egoscue and a more accessible clinic in Santa Monica, Ed remains dedicated to improving his quality of life and physical health. You can see Ed doing his menu just about daily at the Santa Monica clinic, where he often forgets his cane on his way out. Ed continues to tell others about Egoscue and takes on any opportunity to learn more about maintaining a functional lifestyle. His passion and positive "Yes I can!" attitude inspire all of those around him. We are truly grateful to have Ed as part of the Egoscue Family and are so proud to recognize him as our December Client of the Month. Keep on keeping on Ed!
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