Dear all,
Many thanks for your kind words and I thought it only right I post an update.
It's now just gone two and a half months since the date of the accident, and whilst I'm not out of the woods injury wise, it appears I have defied the doctors on quite a few levels, and already have a better quality of life than was envisaged, when I was first taken to hospital after the crash.
Firstly, the injuries to my neck and arm were essentially hairline, and have not caused any prolonged problems or required any treatment.
The most substantial injury, and the one that causes concern, is the smashed vertebrae in my back. This vertebrae is in the lumbar spine, which is in close proximity to the spinal cord / nerves which control the legs, bladder, bowel, and, um, reproductive abilities. I'm somewhat embarrassed (but not ashamed) to say that I have suffered with all of those areas, for example, I have lost a significant amount of feeling in my left thigh, and my groin area, and whereby I used to be able to "hold it in" if I need the loo now, I have to go, pretty sharpish.
The most recent scan shows that the vertebrae has been compressed by over 30% in size, and the disc above it is badly damaged. The first MRI scan shows the fracture in close proximity to important nerves, though I didn't understand exactly what, apart from, it's likely to be related to my ongoing symptoms.
HOWEVER, on a bright note - within a week of being in hospital (bearing in mind I was told I'd be unlikely to walk for several weeks) - two physiotherapists were able to get me first sat up on my bed, and then stood on my feet. I was fitted with a back brace, which I am still wearing, to support the facture, which was thankfully deemed as stable. Over the next few days from there I was walking short distances on the ward etc, and gradually increased that.
I am now at the stage whereby I am entirely weight bearing on my legs and can walk a reasonable distance before too much pain, eg, I can do a mile or so. This, is a godsend - I never thought I would have this kind of mobility again.
Bending forward is agony, which I'm told is due to the damaged disc more than the broken bone, and fact sclerosis is forming around the fractured vertebrae.
I have been referred for physio and am obviously still off work. I am under close supervision of a spinal specialist consultant, and have another MRI scan in a few weeks to see how things are progressing.
Whatever happens, although my physical abilities are much reduced, I will have a reasonable quality of life and independence and won't have to rely on others to do really basic things for me such as washing and showering, which we once thought might be a life long thing. I can even drive, although I Can't sit down for more than around 40 minutes with the pain, and have to get up and walk around.
I will return to work at some point, and in some capacity, very worst case as something like an office based investigator. Depending on the physio, I may well in time be able to return to full frontline duties, and thus, go back to traffic, which is where I came from. It hasn't been ruled out, especially in light of my unexpected progress.
I wouldn't expect anything less from a workplace injury, but, work have been brilliant and I have had nothing but support from every angle. And so have my friends and loved ones.
I am, overall, thrilled with the progress and am positive. Although far from fixed, (no cambelts yet I'm afraid!) things are looking very good. Thanks again for all the support and kind words
Author
Topic: Car Crash - In the wars (Read 14934 times)