Aaaaargh, broken back!

[ClockworkOrange]

Oh yes, eight days ago, second time on my Strida.

Took my car to the garage and I thought good idea, I would take my new fold up bike in the car. Went off for a nice little ride along the flat, then thought I would go down a hill, then rode up a slight slope.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/Decorated%20images/accident1.jpg

Vaguely remember reaching the top and turned my front wheel to the right in order to stop and push my bike through the gate. The problem was that because I had reached the top of the slope and not having any gears, I was unable to push the left pedal any further forward, suddenly putting my right foot on the ground...........stumbled and I fell back. :confused:


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/Decorated%20images/accident.jpg


I landed flat on my back and there I stayed until a stranger passed by (a cyclist who was late for work) and called an ambulance.


Aint life a b*tch, I have a broken back.

Just spent 7 nights flat on my back in hospital, with a burst fracture of L3, basically means the center of the vertebral body is overloaded and it bursts sending fragments in every direction!

Thank God for America, as the brace I have to wear for 3 months is from Boston Brace International, Avon, MA 02322 USA. :)

My dream has been shattered to ride with the team my partner and I got together, however, I am still going to try and raise sponsorship. :cool:

Phew, I only came out last night and am beginning to tire.

Clock..............not ticking at the moment.

[TsPoet]

OMG!
Nothing useful to say - but sending you healing thought-energy

[Bike Chick]

(((Clockwork))) How horrible for you! That's just simply awful. How long will the recuperation time be? Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Biciclista]

oh poor you, get well soon!!!!

[Catrin]

Oh my, sending you healing thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Tri Girl]

HOLY COW, Clock!!:eek: Oh my!! I'm sooo terribly sorry. I can't believe you broke your back. :eek:
I hope you heal soon. I'm sorry you'll be down for the count, but hopefully the time will pass quickly, and you'll be out on your bike before too long. Heal soon, friend!

[Cataboo]

Oh that's horrible. I'm sorry :(

[Blueberry]

Oh - I agree - poor you!! You've really had a rough time of it for the last year or so:( So sorry - that sucks:(

[NoNo]

That's terrible news!:( I hope you have a speedy recovery and are able to find some comfort these next few weeks. xx

[OakLeaf]

Oh man. Just when things seemed to be turning around for you. (((((((Clock))))))) I'm so sorry that happened to you. :( Heal up quick and make sure they give you GOOD drugs this time. ;)

[shootingstar]

((Hugs)) THis is really hard for you Orange..you're like your frog struggling to get out.

Take time to recover but drop by here from time to time, to let us know of your progress.

[PamNY]

Oh, no! I'm so sorry. Very best wishes for a fast recovery.

[zoom-zoom]

Goodness...so scary and awful. I'm glad somebody found you. Keep us posted on your recovery. How long before you can start to be active again? :(

[ASammy1]

OMG, Clock! Sending happy thoughts your way across the pond. Feel better soon!

[azfiddle]

So sorry to hear about this- I hope you have a speedy, easy and complete recovery. Keep us posted...

Sharon

[spokewench]

Oh Clock - How crazy - I am wishing you a swift recovery

[snapdragen]

Ouch, so sorry! Take care of yourself and heal up, you'll be riding again before you know it.

[crazycanuck]

Owieeeeeee..I hope you heal quickly and are back on the road soon.

Poo :(

[Grog]

oh no!!! Scary.

I hope you feel better soon.

[moderncyclista]

****Sending healing energy and my best wishes for your quick recovery.****
Feel better.

[Tuckervill]

Oh, what bad luck! sheesh. I hope you have a miracle healing, Clock, and are up and about in no time.

Karen

[channlluv]

Me, too, Clock. I hope you heal quickly.

Roxy

[KnottedYet]

Eeek!

((((clock)))))

Heal up quick! Wishing you the best!

[MartianDestiny]

Dang Clock! That really stinks!

Hope you heal up quick!!!

[tharley]

OMG, that is horrible Clock! :eek: I'm so sorry that you were hurt, but I am very glad it wasn't even worse. Please give yourself time to heal and don't punish yourself for the fall. I too hope they gave you some good pain killers. How long are they thinking for recovery time? BTW, how's the bike?

[NbyNW]

(((Clockwork))) oh you so did not need this . . .

hope everything heals up quickly.

[Lemongrass]

You poor thing, after everything else this last 12 months! But I like the fact that you've decided to continue fundraising - it gives you something to focus on.

Look after yourself, Clock, and all the best.

[bmccasland]

{{{{{Clock}}}}}

Geeze Clock, what's with trying the bounce theory on streets? They're hard, we've had enough bike crashes to prove it, you didn't need to test it yourself. :cool:

I hope you get to feeling better soon. Hope you don't have to wear your new fashionable corset for very long.

[Chile Pepper]

How awful! Sending healing vibes your way.

[runningteach]

You must be in so much pain, hugs to you. Sending you healing vibes.

[roguedog]

sorry to hear this. rest easy and get well.

[Aggie_Ama]

Ugh, sorry to hear this Clock! Heal quickly and I think it awesome you still want to try to fund raise for the event. Even if you don't get to ride it helps something you believe in! :)

[smilingcat]

How horrible to have borken you back. Wishing you a quick recovery. Please rest and take it easy for a while.

Dreaming is good. So if you want to ride and do other things, just dream. Our old dogs do. They sleep and you hear them talk, tail wagging and legs do the twiching, I think they are dreaming of chasing other dogs and being chased. They are happy.

Maintaining a positive outlook will improve your recovery.

[featuretile]

So sorry you hurt yourself! The Strida is a one-speed? I've seen pictures of it with the tiny wheels. I thought it did not look very safe and your experience confirms that. I hope you have a complete recovery (that's the most important), and know how disappointed you must feel to not be able to participate with your team.

[malkin]

Oh, ((clock))) that just stinks.

Get well soon, and in the meanwhile GOOD MEDS!

[Running Mommy]

Oh clock, I feel like an AWFUL friend just seeing this! That's it, you WILL get a package from me just as soon as the "bird" can fly it over to you! And I promise it won't cost you this time! haha ,,,, sigh,,, oy.
You have a birtday coming up soon, (well maybe in a few weeks) so lets see if you can at least get up and going for that. Too bad about the ride, as I know it's one u look forward to.
Shoot if only I had my passport up to date, I'd come take care of you. We could share a "cuppa" and commiserate our crazy lives!!

[tzvia]

:eek::eek::(
Oh no...

Don't rush things, listen to the DR and the PT and you will be out of that brace and back on the bike in no time.

[arielmoon]

I would give you a hug but it might hurt! EEk! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

[IFjane]

I cannot add anything more than everyone else has said. Just know healing thoughts are speeding across the ocean to you each and every day!

[Desert Tortoise]

Clock, how awful! I wish you a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted on your recovery.

[ClockworkOrange]

How lovely to come on here and read all the super messages, you guys are the best.

Now two weeks since the accident and have now been home for one week.

Going quite well, apart from trying to sit down comfortably, that really is the worst.

The maximum time I can spend on my laptop is about 20 mins tops, walking is not too bad and laying down is good but still damned frustrating.

My GP is quite amazed at the progress I am making but that is just being a stubborn person.

OK, I need somebody to do me a small favour. I emailed the following company but have had no reply, all I need to know is the weight of the brace:

Terrapin LSO - Size 3

Boston Brace International
20 Ledin Drive
Avon, MA 02322 USA

Phone: 800-262-2235
Fax: 800-634-5048

General Information: info@bostonbrace.com
Customer Service: customerservice@bostonbrace.com

No good, just cannot sit any longer.

Clock......feeling very wound up at the moment! :mad:

[ClockworkOrange]

Much to my surprise, the time is going by quite quickly, it was three weeks ago yesterday that I had my accident and I have now had my brace on 2 weeks 2 days.

Very quickly I have managed to be quite independent despite it takes me about 40 minutes to wash and have half a shower! I have to wait another 4 weeks before I might be allowed to have a proper shower or bath and I cannot wait.

With regards to just resting, that is not happening and I don't want it to. As soon as my partner goes out I am busy but obviously being careful not to bend, twist or lift anything too heavy.

I had my 4th walk on my own today and I managed 0.64 miles! :eek: It took a while and I got home and went straight to bed and slept for 2 hours! Also I figured because it was so sunny, I should be out in the sun soaking up the vitamin D.

BEST OF ALL, I can now sit down for so much longer, which means I can get on my computer and contact friends.

I was due to go on a short holiday break as a birthday present but the hospital have said I must not travel.......:mad:

No, all in all, I am pleased with the progress I am making plus I am now only on Paracetamol 4 per day.

Roll on when I can get on my bike.



Clock.....................who is slowly going quicker

[MartianDestiny]

Glad to hear that you are slowly improving!

[GLC1968]

I don't know how I missed this the first time around but I'm glad that you are on the mend, Clock! Take care of yourself - don't do too much too soon!

[spindizzy]

I'm sorry about your accident, Clock. It now sounds like you're doing magnificently- way to go!

[OakLeaf]

That's great that you've been able to come off the pain meds so quickly (I'm assuming you ARE taking enough to control your pain, yes?)!

I'm glad you're hanging in there, taking care of yourself and staying in good spirits. Keep it going and you'll be better in no time!

[bmccasland]

Clock - So glad to hear you're doing better! :D Sorry about your cancelled holiday plans, but if you were planning to fly anywhere, seems they'd be grounded anyway. :p

[SLash]

So sorry about your accident. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. :)

Susan

[NbyNW]

Clock,

Sounds like you are in good spirits and that you are getting better all the time! Good for you!

[jesvetmed]

Clock: I have no had much chance to be on TE in a long time. But I wanted to add in here, I am SO SORRY about your accident. Frightening. But it sounds like you are healing slowly but surely. Pay attention to what your body needs, and I hope the mind isn't driving you crazy having to sit around so much. Take Care!

[Heifzilla]

OMG, how scary! I hope you feel better soon!!

[owlice]

Wow, Clock! I haven't been checking in here very often, and I'm sorry I missed this earlier. Yeee-ouch, woman!! I'm sorry about your poor back!!

I'm glad you are doing so much better, and I agree with what someone else says: Listen to your doctor! A broken back :eek: is sooo not something to mess with.

The bike will still be there when you and your back are ready for it. They're faithful that way. :) Heal fast, heal well, heal strong!

[katherine]

Clock,
I hope you're doing ok and that the recovery is progressing well.
I thought you might like to know that my partner had back surgery in November (three lumbar vertebrae fused and a synthetic disc put in above that). He has persuaded me that he needs a new town bike, a custom to accomodate his new riding position, after watching what he went through recovering I couldn't say no. Perhaps this logic will work for you too...

[ClockworkOrange]

Cooooo, what a lovely surprise to see so many posts.

Do you know, the biggest thing for me is not to do too much, OMG I have my partner and my son who constantly nag at me, in fact my son gets really cross, he keeps inferring that I am stubborn and what am I trying to prove and don't I realise how much damage I could do to myself!

There is such a fine line between being independent and yes stubborn but not wanting to just lie about and having my partner running about for me all the time.

I am still gutted I cannot ride in the London Bikeathon, in fact I pleaded with my physiotherapist over the phone but she said definitely 'NO'.

This afternoon I watched TV coverage of the London Marathon, some of the runners and the disabilities they have, truly amazing but I wonder if their families nag at them. It was fabulous to watch, despite I have never run, not even for a bus, some of the funny costumes and of course the reasons people ran and all the different charities, I felt emotionally drained afterwards but in a nice way.

It will be five weeks this Thursday, on my 60th birthday since the accident, disappointed I am unable to even go out for a nice meal but I can always make up for that.

My pleasures in life are small at the moment, a long handled bath brush............yippee, I can reach my legs and feet. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion that is great to use, I managed to buy that on Amazon.

Oh the frustration I cannot shave my legs, so should I become a Rasta, or have them beaded or braided? http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/4.gif

Again, many thanks for the kind words.

Clock http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/bike2-1.gif

[shootingstar]

I am still gutted I cannot ride in the London Bikeathon, in fact I pleaded with my physiotherapist over the phone but she said definitely 'NO'.

This afternoon I watched TV coverage of the London Marathon, some of the runners and the disabilities they have, truly amazing but I wonder if their families nag at them. It was fabulous to watch, despite I have never run, not even for a bus, some of the funny costumes and of course the reasons people ran and all the different charities, I felt emotionally drained afterwards but in a nice way.

It will be five weeks this Thursday, on my 60th birthday since the accident, disappointed I am unable to even go out for a nice meal but I can always make up for that.

My pleasures in life are small at the moment, a long handled bath brush............yippee, I can reach my legs and feet.

You are obsessed to ask your physio that question. :rolleyes::p
Yes, enjoy the small pleasures now. :)

[sundial]

Oh Clock, bless your heart!! I hope you will get back on your feet in no time. Maybe you can treat yourself to a spa visit and have them wax your legs? :)

[jessmarimba]

I was just googling cyclist recover from broken back - Clockwork, I feel so awful for you and I don't want to be a bother but I was hoping to get some advice from your experience! I burst T12 6 days ago and I'm trying to make a list of what will help when I get home from the hospital. I guess the sponge on a stick is a must! Also want something to sit on in the shower. Any other advice? How are you doing? Was it tough to get back to a normal routine? Do you still have restrictions? They're being so vague with me!

Thanks! Sorry to pester you!
Jesse

[roadie gal]

Somehow I missed this thread when it first started. I just wanted to wish you good, healing thoughts.

[NbyNW]

Hi Jessmarimba, I had an S1-S2 fracture years ago -- much lower than what you're dealing with, and as I understand it, a much more stable area to have a break, if there's any such thing.

Some things that helped me:


My sister got me a table like this one (http://www.officemax.com/office-furniture/desks-laptop-stands/product-ARS21485), so I could eat/work in bed.

I had a light stuffsack with shoulder straps from REI, which I used to carry small lightweight things around, since my hands were not free, using a walker to get around the house. I don't know if they make it anymore, but you might already have something that will work.

I never figured out a good way to carry a cup of coffee from countertop to table, while using my rocker. I ended up putting my coffee on a chair and sliding the chair beside/in front of me to get it to the table.

Staying mentally busy. I had papers to write, so I was able to stay occupied. I also ordered some language tapes and taught myself Italian.

Do everything your Drs. and PTs tell you. If they tell you to rest, rest. If they tell you to do some boring, tedious, painful exercise, do it. And do it with the frequency prescribed. Be honest with them about any progress or setbacks that you experience. Listen to your body and don't try to rush your recovery.

When you're ready for crutches, these (http://www.millennialmedical.com/?page_id=585&do=productDetail&product_id=184) are really great.

Talk to someone about when and how to taper your pain killers. Strangely, no one talked to me about this in the hospital, perhaps because they assumed my dad the surgeon would. Except he's so wary of pain killer addiction he didn't want me to take them at all. I ended up getting good advice from a friend who has been through multiple surgeries.

[jessmarimba]

Wow guys, so much advice so fast! I am actually pretty lucky with a lot here - I am able to walk and get around on my own as long as I'm wearing a brace. No walker or anything necessary. So thankfully I can still carry my coffee :). I'm also allowed (encouraged) to sit up as much as I can. Only thing I can't do yet is drive. We're just trying to think of other little things that will make my life easier and your input there has been great!

[ClockworkOrange]

I was just googling cyclist recover from broken back - Clockwork, I feel so awful for you and I don't want to be a bother but I was hoping to get some advice from your experience! I burst T12 6 days ago and I'm trying to make a list of what will help when I get home from the hospital. I guess the sponge on a stick is a must! Also want something to sit on in the shower. Any other advice? How are you doing? Was it tough to get back to a normal routine? Do you still have restrictions? They're being so vague with me!

Thanks! Sorry to pester you!
Jesse

Oh Jesse, poor you! How did you manage to cause your broken back?

Read the following first, plenty of time for everything else a little later. ;)

Please feel free to ask me anything.

I am so with you on the hospitals being so vague, hence I have typed the following up for the physio at my local hospital.

Anybody else reading this, prepare to be bored!


THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN ABOUT........

Some of the following might sound very trivial to anybody who has never worn an LSO BRACE but for anybody who has the misfortune to be told they will be wearing one for 3 months, this might be of interest.

Many of the items you will not have, so you will have to ask somebody to get them for you, ideally before you go home.

First and foremost, you must buy a Grabber from the Occupational Therapist only a fiver and worth it's weight in gold, you will find you drop things all the time and this little gizmo comes in handy daily, no, hourly.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4802728290_c1214a776f.jpg

The thinnest vest tops you can get hold of, even if it means buying a couple on ebay as anything thick will just be very uncomfortable and extremely warm.

My first realisation was that my hands needed extensions, so things like going to the loo where made extremely difficult, in fact I discovered my left hand must have been longer than my right! To my horror, I realised because I could not bend forward, it was impossible using a toilet brush! So, I did a Blue Peter special on a brand new toilet brush, by using a plastic coat hanger and using some duck tape or lots of sellotape, also trimmed it down to fit into a spare mug, plus moist toilet wipes, now I have independence.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4802728292_c5ebacd273.jpg

So, you get told no bathing, no showering, no hair washing, time to work around that little lot. My daily procedure was lengthy but it worked.

Put large bath towel on bed

Have box of creams, potions and lotions, cotton buds and Johnsons baby talc set aside on the bed, along with any clothes, oh yes, for us girls, forget about bra's and any underwear!

Time for strip wash and half a shower. I filled the handbasin and added a squirt of Superdrug Gentle Face Wash. While washing, I was lucky having short hair so I found it easy to have a flannel soaking wet, rubbed over hair, then applying a tiny amount of shampoo, keep rinsing the flannel, apply splodge of conditioner, again rinse off by using the wet flannel, result.

Yes, get in the shower but the lower half only, I used a shampoo bottle to block the drainage hole of the shower, then at least my feet got a nice soaking. Oh yes, try and buy a cheap non-slip rubber mat for the base of the shower. Also I bought a long handled bath brush on ebay, something else that was so useful when you cannot reach your feet.

Next flop on the bed, undoing your 'shell' and use flannel for tummy, after drying I found Johnsons baby talc was good to use and on other days I used Cetaphil, a super-sensitive fragrance-free non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) body lotion.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4802728298_29b5255285_m.jpg

I bought it on Amazon, it was not cheap, around £9 but I never had any problem with my skin, by using these on alternate days, I never had chafing, stickiness or nasty odour and it lasted the full 3 months.

Finally, you can get dressed absolutely exhausted.

Once I was in bed I undid my shell so could not sit up, so I always took water in a drinks water bottle kept on my bedside cabinet, as it is virtually impossible to drink from a cup while laying down.

How did I occupy my time, as I could not sit down for a long, I was happier just pottering about the house and daily going out for a walk.

When pulling the velcro straps tight, trying not to slide your fingers along, hold quite tight otherwise you end up with tiny little cuts, that make your fingers very sore, then doing up the brace becomes a problem.



JESSE, ARE YOU STILL AWAKE? :D

Take good care of yourself, ask lots and don't rush anything.

Hugs

Clock xxx

[jessmarimba]

I'm beginning to feel so spoiled. I have a Jewitt brace (?) but I have one specifically to shower in, so I can shower (mostly) like a normal person. Who just happens to be unable to reach her feet. I'm not sure how I'll be able to take care of my cats...their litter boxes are going to be awful to clean.

Broke my back going over the handlebars of my mountain bike. Best thing about it is that I don't have tv at home so I've watched the Tour constantly since I was admitted :)

I'm having a little scared moment bc they're telling me running & biking may be out for good bc of the location of the break. I hope hope hope they're wrong!

Thanks for everything! I will PM you later, need a nap now!

[solobiker]

I'm beginning to feel so spoiled. I have a Jewitt brace (?) but I have one specifically to shower in, so I can shower (mostly) like a normal person. Who just happens to be unable to reach her feet. I'm not sure how I'll be able to take care of my cats...their litter boxes are going to be awful to clean.

Broke my back going over the handlebars of my mountain bike. Best thing about it is that I don't have tv at home so I've watched the Tour constantly since I was admitted :)

I'm having a little scared moment bc they're telling me running & biking may be out for good bc of the location of the break. I hope hope hope they're wrong!

Thanks for everything! I will PM you later, need a nap now!

So soory to hear about your accident. I would have written sooner but I have not been on in a little while. Have you gotten yourself a long handled sponge yet or a detachable shower head? I am an OT and have worked with several people who have had back surgery or fxs and have had to wear various braces. Did you get yours from Hanger? How long do you have to wear it? One last question..where were you mountain biking. I mountain bike too so I am just curious as I live in the Denver area too.
I would not think running and mtn biking would be out for good...depending upon how stable it is.

Hope you are doing well.

[jessmarimba]

Hi!

Definitely got a sponge-on-a-stick...best invention ever.

Yep the braces are from Hanger. No idea how long I need to wear it - I have heard 6-8 weeks and 8-12 weeks...but there was also a ton of confusion initially over whether I needed one to shower and could put it on sitting up, so I've decided to believe no one about anything til I see the guy who did the surgery (next Friday). I do know I have 6 months til I can do anything but walk so I won't be surprised if they are conservative with the brace.

And I'm embarrassed to admit where it happened...I was at Elk Meadows Park, up in Evergreen, and we had just come out of the trees onto the grassy section again. Probably the least technical part of any ride I've done out here.

I'm also a little embarrassed to respond so quickly, but I'm beyond bored at this point from being stuck at home all week :) Can't wait to drive again!

[tribogota]

sorry jess and clock,
@ j, if I lived near you I would come clean out the litter box for you. I just got off 1 month wheelchair and 2 1/2 mos crutches, hip fracture, collar, dvt, but doing ok now, and now that I couldn't do anything for so long, I don't mind cleaning out the cat box;)
Somebody lent me a kindle to read, since I couldn't hold the book with two hands, that helped a lot.

[shootingstar]

Wishing clock, jesse and tribogota real healing thoughts!

[solobiker]

Hi!

Definitely got a sponge-on-a-stick...best invention ever.

Yep the braces are from Hanger. No idea how long I need to wear it - I have heard 6-8 weeks and 8-12 weeks...but there was also a ton of confusion initially over whether I needed one to shower and could put it on sitting up, so I've decided to believe no one about anything til I see the guy who did the surgery (next Friday). I do know I have 6 months til I can do anything but walk so I won't be surprised if they are conservative with the brace.

And I'm embarrassed to admit where it happened...I was at Elk Meadows Park, up in Evergreen, and we had just come out of the trees onto the grassy section again. Probably the least technical part of any ride I've done out here.

I'm also a little embarrassed to respond so quickly, but I'm beyond bored at this point from being stuck at home all week :) Can't wait to drive again!

Don't be embarrassed!!! I am just sorry it that happened. I was reading about someone being hospitalized because she injured her kidney when she fell at LOB. A fluke accident. I myself tumbled 20-30 feet down a "cliff" at Centential Cone when I unclipped going around a switch back and my foot landed on the outer edge of the switch back and I fell backwards tumbling wth my bike in tow.

I would err on the side of caution with the back brace and the donning and doffing reccommendations. Most of the time the docs prefer if the brace is put on while in bed prior to sitting up and to wear it while showering.

What part of Denver are you in? Feel free to send me a PM if you would like.

[ClockworkOrange]

sorry jess and clock,
@ j, if I lived near you I would come clean out the litter box for you. I just got off 1 month wheelchair and 2 1/2 mos crutches, hip fracture, collar, dvt, but doing ok now, and now that I couldn't do anything for so long, I don't mind cleaning out the cat box;)
Somebody lent me a kindle to read, since I couldn't hold the book with two hands, that helped a lot.

I am so sorry tribogota, I did not read your post properly.

How did you manage to injure yourself so badly, I tried going through old threads but could not find anything?

Good to hear you sound so positive and hopefully each day, you will get much stronger.


~~~~~~

I am now brace free but more tenderness, horrible nerve pain in my legs, I guess everything else muscles, tendons, ligaments have got to get their act together. :rolleyes:

Physio, hydrotherapy and walking, am allowed to ride my bike in 6 weeks I hope.

Ten days and off to the Dordogne, fortunately by ferry but then a 6 hour drive, I think we will be making lots of stops.

Am hoping I will be able to get into our inflatable canoe without too much discomfort, at least if I fall out I can't hurt myself.

Slightly off topic but despite I was unable to ride in the London Bikeathon with my Team, Leukaemia Research will be over £8000 (including the gift aid) better off, now that pleases me a lot and we still have until 3 Sept to get more dosh in.

Thanks again for all the nice comments.

Clock

[Jane Honda]

OH dear!

I'm sorry to hear this, and can COMPLETELY empathize. I broke my back four and a half years ago in a horrific motorcycle accident. I spent 7 weeks in the hospital. My T9 was split into four pieces, and parts of T10 were broken off. I have six inches of titanium on each side of my spine.

The PT was agony, and I must admit I was a difficult patient. They gave me a walker to use, and I vehemently refused it. I argued that I wouldn't heal up my atrophied muscles if I never used them. They gave me grabbers so I wouldn't have to bend over, or struggle to put pants and socks on. I gave them the same argument. I did listen to what my Dr.'s had to say, as well as my PT's.

I stay active now, because if I quit moving, I will not move again. It's ironic, but very true. I live with chronic nerve pain, numbness and muscle spasms now, and will for the rest of my life, I have to take pain meds just to get out of bed; but, hey! I'm living my life. I'm training for the Seattle to Portland now for the next year. I don't let anything get in my way.

A broken back is really a pain the the neck, or rear, depending on if your glass is half empty or full. :rolleyes: But, it's something you CAN recover from, and go on to live a healthy, active lifestyle. I never make excuses. I only have one life...

Best of luck, friend. It appears you have tons of support here. :cool:

[jessmarimba]

Jane - thank you for the encouragement. I've had no contact with the doctor but the therapists just kept using the phrase "frowned upon" when I mentioned anything athletic. Glad to hear you're up and going :)

Can I ask - I've had a good chunk of titanium screwed into my back too - did your incision bruise over as it was healing? From what I can see, my back looks horric right now, and it hurts, but I can't tell if it's the bruise or the screws bothering me...?

[Jane Honda]

Jane - thank you for the encouragement. I've had no contact with the doctor but the therapists just kept using the phrase "frowned upon" when I mentioned anything athletic. Glad to hear you're up and going :)

Can I ask - I've had a good chunk of titanium screwed into my back too - did your incision bruise over as it was healing? From what I can see, my back looks horric right now, and it hurts, but I can't tell if it's the bruise or the screws bothering me...?


Let them frown all they want. Just tell them their faces will stick that'a'ways. If you stay stagnant, your body will deteriorate. Just make sure you start back into work again slowly. Let your body tell you what it's capable of. Go from there. If you quit moving, you will really QUIT moving. I'm serious.

I don't remember what my back looked like. I was pretty doped up, as I had massive road rash injuries along with other broken bones to add to my back injury.

I do know, that if I move the wrong way against the steel, it will hurt like the frikken dikkens. I mean screaming meemee hurt! My skin around the incision is numb, but my pain receptors are hyper sensitive. I feel no pressure sensations, no cold or hot sensations, no touch. Just extreme pain if there is a tiny amount of pain. I do end up with bruising on my back if I do crunches, but maybe that area is just more predisposed to bruising. I have no idea. Bruises are badges to me. So are scars.

I would consult with your doc about the bruising part. Maybe you have a screw loose (er... Please don't take that wrong? :eek: ) You could need the hardware adjusted, or maybe you can have it taken out. I can opt to have mine taken out if I can cough up the $90,000 surgery, and the months of down time. NOT. So, it stays. I'm proud of it, actually. It means I survived something way bigger than me.

[OakLeaf]

wow Jess, I only just read this. I guess this has become the collective broken back thread! So sorry that happened to you Heal up quick and DO take the advice of your therapists. There's a huge difference between accepting a limitation after you're completely healed, vs. causing more damage during the healing process.

This thread has really brought home to me how variable medical care is around the country (and even in the UK, as Clock has showed). All these little tips and tricks that you've had to discover for yourselves, the OTs and PTs showed to my mom after her knee surgery and my dad after her back surgery, before they were even released from the hospital, or on their very first home visit. :(

I hate the place where my parents live, you really couldn't pay me to live there even if they didn't ... but the more I see of the medical care they get vs. anyone else I'm aware of, the more I want their hospital and their therapists to move here!

[jessmarimba]

Oak, you'll be surprised to hear, then, that I wouldve gone home five days earlier with almost NO therapy if I didn't live alone. It took a whole day of the hospital nagging my insurance before they approved me to stay for rehab. At that point, I couldn't put the brace on without help and was still puking every time I stood up.

I'm obeying my therapists, promise! But they directly contradicted a lot of what my surgeon told me in the recovery room (aggravating). He doesn't work at the hospital, though, so he never got to re-approve me for things like showering with no brace.

And in most recent news, my mom (who was coming in a month to help with some housework) just fell and broke her elbow. Be careful out there!

(and now back to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...)

[ClockworkOrange]

Hey Jess, am going to make you real jealous, my physiotherapist let me do a whole 5 minutes on an exercise bike today..............I must have looked like I had a coat hanger in my mouth, as my smile was soooooo big!

Disappointed at being told I must not do any canoeing yet, now I only do real slow stuff, no shooting rapids or anything :rolleyes: It's just an inflatable Sevylor but it's good fun but it will have to wait till next summer I think.

Now watching a cheapie exercise bike on ebay, so fingers crossed.

Hope things are going well for you, bet your cats like having you around all day.

Clock