topic Re: Another fracture in my back . . . in Wellness

Another fracture in my back . . .

BirkiLady — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:21:48 GMT

Have never been completely out of pain since December, but the past three weeks have been miserable. I couldn't figure out what was the matter. Just kept getting worse. Last week I finally called the Ortho. Surgeon and made appointments for my knee (it's still painful and black and blue) and for my back, which has a new shooting pain. (This has made me grumpy. It's been so long since I've felt good; think I'm finally getting fed up with the entire mess of that woman's horrible driving.)

Anyway, I had more x-rays and an MRI for my knee last week. Today, I had additional x-rays for my back. Seems I have another fracture. Thought I was depressed when I went into their clinic! Coming out, it was all I could do to hold back the tears. Dang it . . . I'm not going to let some idiot woman bring me to tears and ruin my day!! So far, no tears have been shed since she hit me and she won't get the satisfaction today. I may be down, but I shall pick myself up and survive. An MRI is scheduled for Wednesday, IIRC.

My Ortho. Surgeon was also talking about a procedure called Vertebroplasty. Is anyone familiar with it? Or had it done? I have information on it. The "cons" (paralysis) sound scary due to the location of the nerves.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

ItsME — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:31:06 GMT

@BirkiLady I'm so sorry for your suffering. My mother has had a similar procedure.. kyphoplasty, twice. The first time (after a fall), she had instant relief from the pain. Second time (after a sponateous fracture), not so much. But a follow-up xray showed a second fracture, which is probably the reason for the continued pain. Go for it. Hopefully it will bring a lot of relief quickly.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

Kachina624 — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:32:13 GMT

@BirkiLady. I feel so badly for you being in such pain. It's none of my business of course, but I really hope you've considered legal action against her. This may affect. the quality of the rest of your life. It's a real bummer to feel so punk, I know. I hope the ortho has some suggestions on how he can make you feel better ASAP.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

Mindy D — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:16:59 GMT

Here’s some actual research about the efficacy of this procedure when used in patients with vertebral fracture in patients without osteoporosis.

“Abstract

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a major cause of pain and disability. Here, we reviewed six randomized control trials (RCTs) focusing on the efficacy vs. placebo effect of vertebroplasty (VP) for symptomatic VCF. Four RCTs involved a nonsurgically treated control group. Two RCTs compared the use of VP vs. a sham surgery control group. Notably, RCTs comparing nonsurgically treated patients as a control group vs. those undergoing VP uniformly reported that VP contributed to improved pain relief. In contrast, RCTs comparing sham surgery vs. VP uniformly reported no significant differences between the two groups.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461565

“Conclusions

Patients who present with traumatic fractures experience a high level of pain and disability, with many on a regular regimen of narcotics. More than half of our patients were younger than 60 years of age when they underwent vertebroplasty, and it is of great importance that these patients be able to return to their daily activities and have long-lasting results. On the basis of our results, vertebroplasty for patients with traumatic nonosteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is a safe and effective method to decrease pain, increase mobility, and decrease narcotic usage.”

http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/2/323

Note that very few studies exist for use of his method in patients without osteoporosis that were treated for a fracture.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

LoveMyBaby — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:55:51 GMT

@BirkiLady

~you're going through a lot. Hope this health setback starts turning around quickly and your pain and suffering will start improving SOON.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

cherry — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:00:45 GMT

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

fancy pantsy — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:21:04 GMT

@BirkiLady i am so sorry to hear about your ongoing suffering. i want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

Jersey Born — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:43:05 GMT

Hi! I am very sorry you are in so much pain and are suffering. I hope that whatever you decide to do, whether it is vertebroplasty, or something else, that you will thoroughly research every single option from the different types of surgical options available for your condition, to no surgery at all, and feel comfortable with your decision, whatever it might be, before you proceed with surgery.

I used to work in insurance (18 years ago) and I had knowledge of the different types of surgical procedures done on backs, knees, wrists, etc. Until just now, I had never heard of vertebroplasty, which involves the use of medical grade cement, and is considered a minimally invasive procedure. I am always cautious about new types of procedures and medical devices until they are considered "well-established" and "well-tested". As this is not a life or death procedure, please take the time to research every option for your particular spinal injury fully, especially if you are not familiar with what is being recommended for you. Have there been any problems with the cement being used in the way of precipitating a need for revision surgery (as happens sometimes with surgically installed plates, rods, and screws)? How long has this particular surgical procedure been used in orthopedic medicine, and does it have an impressively good track record of success so that you could feel confident in having it performed on your fracture? What are the odds of success versus failure? What is the risk level for the procedure? (A quick search revealed that the use of a certain injector device for vertebroplasty was patented in 2001, so the use of cement to stabilize fractures is not as nearly as new as I had thought it might be. https://patents.justia.com/patent/7008433 )

No matter what you choose to do, please let it be your decision, only, and let it be the most informed decision possible. Take a painkiller to take the edge off your pain, and do your research. You will never regret taking the time to do this for yourself. I wish you every success in finding the optimal way for you to recover and maximize your mobility. Thank you for bringing this (relatively) new surgical option to my attention. Without your post, I would not have known it existed, considering my length of time away from my insurance career.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

teganslaw — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:19:37 GMT

My husband was diagnosed with osteoporosis in his spine and had a verebroplasty while he was in the hospital three months ago. It's a non-invasive procedure in which cement is used to repair discs. The procedure takes less than hour and the patient is in recovery a couple of hours afterwards. My husband said that the procedure itself was painless and he has felt much better since then. Other than sometimes feeling a kink in his back, he has been pain free. The vertebroplasty definitely helped.

The doctor has to determine which procedure is best for the patient. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you find relief soon.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

tansy — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 23:21:49 GMT

@teganslaw wrote:
My husband was diagnosed with osteoporosis in his spine and had a verebroplasty while he was in the hospital three months ago. It's a non-invasive procedure in which cement is used to repair discs. The procedure takes less than hour and the patient is in recovery a couple of hours afterwards. My husband said that the procedure itself was painless and he has felt much better since then. Other than sometimes feeling a kink in his back, he has been pain free. The vertebroplasty definitely helped.

The doctor has to determine which procedure is best for the patient. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you find relief soon.

How does the cement get into the body if the procedure is noninvasive, @teganslaw?

I am sorry you are having continued pain, @BirkiLady.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

teganslaw — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:16:15 GMT

@ Tansy, I didn't see the vertebroplasty being done, but the doctor described the procedure. They use a local anesthetic, and inject the cement into the vertbrae by a needle-like tube. The whole thing is monitored and guided by using video imaging. Nothing is cut open, just the small indention the needle makes. The cement is then left to harden and hold the vertebrae together. It is successsful in treating pain and helping mobility in many cases.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

BirkiLady — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 01:28:15 GMT

@tansy @teganslaw @Jersey Born @fancy pantsy @cherry @Kachina624 and everyone else: Look up Vertebroplasty on-line and you'll see videos how it's actually done, explanation how and why it is done, and the risks associated with the procedure. My Ortho. Surgeon pulled it up and we went through it quickly together, then I went over it thoroughly when I came home (before telling my son and DIL; then writing this thread).

It doesn't sound as scarey as surgery, which my DIL has had (the rod placed in her spine years ago).

However, not sure I want a foreign substance inside me. Need to ask if my body might reject it.

Does the "cement" breakdown? Ewwww! I don't want to have it redone.

Is this going to recur periodically due to my osteo? Why didn't I have any back problems until the car wreck if I have osteo? I don't "get" all of this.

Also, the possibility of paralysis might be enough to live with the pain. IDK how long I could continue like this. Over nine months just about had me over the edge last week!

No, still not going for an attorney. Not in this for money; just want far, far away from that woman and all memories of that day and every day since then. It happened at the SE corner of a University campus! On most days, hundreds or thousands of students and facility members would have been crossing the street she was driving on and/or the intersection where she hit me. Yet, she barrelled through it like a bat out of Hxxx. So grateful for the wonderful witnesses who helped me and called 911. Doubtful she would have made a phone call.

I'm finally furious that anyone could be such an idiot behind the wheel of a big SUV and tell the two Policemen, "I don't know what happened" but was too self-absorbed (or something) to not bother to ask if anyone in my vehicle was injured! I wonder what she WAS doing?? She didn't even get out of her vehicle after the accident or while the police were investigating. Wasn't hurt according to the two officers who were at the accident and then arrived at the ER later. Hope the Judge threw the book at her and a massive fine! WOW, I'm really feeling snarky today. Pain must do that.

I'll take some Aleve . . . and stop this nonsense. <silly grin>

Thanks, dear ones, for you kind words and helpful information. Had a feeling some of you would have had some experience with this procedure. Hugs to a great group of people of this Forum!

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

PamfromCT — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:03:34 GMT

@BirkiLady, I am so sorry that you are going through such pain. You are wise to investigate your options, and I am sure you will make the right decision for you. Living with constant high pain completely wears anyone out. You likely don’t recall I was a victim of a distracted driver, but my consequences were not nearly as bad as what you suffered. But sometimes it takes a while before all the consequences rear their ugly head.

On a positive note, I have been getting Prolia shots for several years now, and my latest scan revealed I technically don’t have osteoporosis now. This can be you, too. My hope is that you will get effective treatments and enjoy your life without all this pain, and I am praying for relief for you. All my best wishes!

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

novamc1 — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:17:51 GMT

@BirkiLady

Maybe I'm confused about what happened to you, but it seems from what I read that if your car got damaged and you got hurt, your auto insurer should be going against the other driver's insurance company for all the auto and medical cost money you are entitled to.

If you're not getting what you deserve out of that, your costs for car repair, loss of use of the car ,and your medical costs should be tallied and brought to the attention of a personal injury attorney.

I guess it's important not to accept any payment from the other driver's insurance company, until you know how badly you and your finances have truly been damaged. It might take a while to find out what your medical consequences could be.

Somebody feel free to contradict me if this scenario doesn't fit the facts, which of course, I can't know for sure.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

BirkiLady — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:52:51 GMT

@novamc1 I have no idea about the financial end of it. The other driver's insurance is paying for all of my medical bills, but of course I'm paying for all of the increased costs associated with a new vehicle (if that's what you are talking about).

I was given a check by her insurance company for the "appraised amount" of my vehicle (mint condition with 42,000 miles), which was laughable and didn't come close to replacement value when purchasing a new vehicle. The new vehicle basically came out of my own checkbook.

The check from the insurance company helped with the sales tax, licenses, State wheel taxes, and increased insurance costs!

No, I have not settled nor do I have any intention of hiring an attorney so please do not suggest it.

I've never been involved in a law suit of any kind; don't want to be at this stage of my life, and certainly don't intend to make money off this accident. My husband and I worked hard and honestly for our money.

BTW: My post yesterday was one of frustration and pain. Today is a new day and I refuse to wallow in pain or a pity party! Onward and upward; life goes on.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

alicedee — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:52:22 GMT

@BirkiLady wrote:

No, I have not settled nor do I have any intention of hiring an attorney so please do not suggest it.

I've never been involved in a law suit of any kind; don't want to be at this stage of my life, and certainly don't intend to make money off this accident. My husband and I worked hard and honestly for our money.

BirkiLady, I admire your strength and courage in the face of all the pain and expense you are dealing with. Just wanted to comment....it certainly is up to you whether or not you want to pursue a lawsuit...and it's clear you don't. But not everyone who brings suit is "sue happy"....it is totally honest and upright to bring something like this to court if someone has suffered financial and/or personal damage because of the negligence of another...it doesn't make them a bad or greedy person (and you certainly didn't infer that...I understand that).

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

BirkiLady — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:56:42 GMT

@alicedee Previous posters have suggested it and I was offended at the thought of it. Just nipping it before it gets started again.

Thanks for your kindness. I'm still touchy. Sorry about that!

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

Ms tyrion2 — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:05:16 GMT

I have compression fractures in my T spine caused by MBC lesions. I recently saw a pain specialist to see if I was a candidate for kyphoplasty, which is now preferred over vertebroplasty.

Unfortunately, my fractures were too old for this procedure. It is best done when the fractures are acute. The doctor said pain relief is immediate and the procedure stops the process of kyphosis.

I was so disappointed. If you are a candidate, get the surgery! Compression fractures are no picnic. I would have bad the surgery in a heartbeat.

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

BirkiLady — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:05:24 GMT

@PamfromCT You were one of the women to encourage me to go ahead when I originally asked about Prolia! Thanks, again, for answering my questions so well and removing the fear/hesitation from something that was so foreign to me at the time. It turned out to be a "piece of cake"! I return for my second injection next week. Hard to believe that six months has flown by so quickly.

How delightful your Prolia injections have been so successful. You must have caught your osteo very early or very young. I'm so happy you will probably avoid fractures of any kind. Until this accident, I had no idea what back pain was all about. Now? My understanding and compassion for others is very real. Keep up the excellent work and stay healthy, Pam!

Re: Another fracture in my back . . .

alicedee — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:12:13 GMT

@BirkiLady wrote:
@alicedee Previous posters have suggested it and I was offended at the thought of it. Just nipping it before it gets started again.

Thanks for your kindness. I'm still touchy. Sorry about that!

Absolutely no need to apologize....I admire you greatly.