I understand. I'd always seen myself as the guy other people turn to for help, and suddenly being helpless myself (as I mistakenly thought at the time) was a difficult adjustment.

Fortunately, I have a wise spouse, who explained to me that I wasn't helpless, and that letting people help was a way of helping them, because they care about me and are trying to find a way to be part of this new phase of my life.

It took a while, but I overcame my unjustified shame at lying in a hospital bed or being pushed in a wheelchair, and realised that I could still give as well as receive. But it wasn't easy.