Aaaaargh, broken back!

[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.



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.



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.



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?

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.

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. 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.

[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? ) 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 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