Wellness

[teganslaw]

@ 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.

[BirkiLady]

@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!

[PamfromCT]

@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!

[novamc1]

@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.

[BirkiLady]

@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. 

[alicedee]

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@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).

[BirkiLady]

@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! 

[Ms tyrion2]

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.

[BirkiLady]

@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!

[alicedee]

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@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! 

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