Newbie:19 yr post op

john1969 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2007, 05:47 PM

Hi,
My name is John and my case is quite old. I was in a car accident when I was 18 (I am now 37) and had multiple fractures including 7 skull fractures and a compound fracture of left leg my left hip was also fractured of which all include some sort of permanent titanium pin and rods, lastly four of my lower vertebrae were crushed and I had at the time a newer surgery done where the vertebrae were fused with plates and pins . I have enjoyed practically full mobility over the years until now.
I am having sharp pains in my lower back and a grinding sensation when I bend or twist even a little but no lose of sensation in my legs. My Ortho here has advised that I receive a Myelogram CT scan in the morning to find the cause of the problem.
I am more than a little concerned after reading some of the post here, I guess I am nervous about what this can lead to.
Bottom line is I have a very real fear of becomming paralyzed and not being able to provide for my family.Thanks

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2007, 06:17 PM

Hi John and welcome to the forum,

I am so sorry for that horrendous accident that indeed, changed your life. Like most of us, your putting the cart before the horse and jumping to conclusions that may or may not be realistic.

Calm down and relax(easier said). Have your scan and get the results. If after all you've been through you're not paralyzed, then I'm sure you can weather whatever else might come your way.

Once you have your results, you'll know what you're dealing with and can then access your options. Let us know what you discover but you're looking at a worst case scenerio and even beyond that.

Where do you live and who's your doctor?

I wish you every good luck, Dale

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2007, 02:45 AM

John, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. As bad as things are, I read your story and feel that you have been lucky to have been functional for so long.

Hopefully, the new symptoms are something that can be addressed. I would advise you to make sure that you investigate all your options and discover doctors that have access to the newer technologies if they may be applied to your case.

Do your homework... make informed decisions.

Good luck!

Mark