Broke My Back

[Ickie]

Last week Aug 28th I was pulling my well pipe, and I am 65, POW :pop4: and on the ground I went.

it took 30 minutes to get back up and pain was almost too much, but I finished my well project.

The next day I went tho my DR and had exray's. It took 10 days to get the results because my DR was out ad no-body would tell me the results. (She is the BOSS @ the VA)

Just a few minutes ago I got the results ............................. I have a compression crack on L-4.

There is nothing that can be done except wait it out. Take Codine ...............
My biggest problem is getting out of bed, out of a chair, and the worst is getting out of my truck, because I have to twist and bend. :redfire:

[Rami]

Damn Ron,

So sorry to hear this. Take it real easy, and rest as much as you can! :mixed-smiley-010:

[Allen]

Damm....



0

[rhumbaflappy]

It's worse when we get into the 60's... just don't heal as fast.

I think I read beer is good for a broken back.

Dick

[sixstrings5859]

So very sorry about your back. Hope the pain meds help and hope you will get well soon. You will be my prayers . Take care , Scott

[txnetcop]

Sorry to hear it Ron...man that is a bad place to get a compression fracture...stay down and behave yourself!
Ted

[glh]

"Ron fought the pipe ...... and the pipe wooooon,
Ron fought the pipe and the pipe won !!
----- apologies to Bobby Fuller (I Fought The Law, 1964)

Take it easy now. Wild Turkey helps.

[SPman]

Ouch!

Rest up there mate and take it carefully.

It's a bugger getting old - your mind still keeps telling you that you can do things yr body would just rather not know about - and it can get damn frustrating! ( built houses for 35 yrs and still think I'm as active, strong and supple as I was then.....!)

I'm recovering from a tweaked back after digging a grave for my dog, who died suddenly a fortnight ago - it's winter here but the ground is still pick axe territory (oh for a small back-hoe). Seemed OK at the time but....Ron saying how it's a bastard getting up out of chairs, bed, etc brought it into fresh relief.

[Daveroo]

sorry to hear it ron,now just wait until you have a big BM and have to twist around a bit to much to...well take care of hygiene,not fun..trust me..

[stansdds]

Ouch! I know that compression fractures hurt and it is going to hurt for quite a while.:dizzy: Not much can be done for them either, you just wait and hope for the best.

[Ickie]

Today is day 11, and boy does my back hurt this morning I cannot wait till the Codine kick's in. It was almost too much when I put the chain on my dog to outside. I know I will be more careful in the future when I go to lift something, that is fore sure. (It takes my breath away) I dropped the lid off the dog food and it was pure hell picking it up.:a1089:

I think the dog knows because he is sleeping next to my painful (which feels good) area he and is better behaved in the house with the 3 older cats, lol.

[Willy]

I hate to hear about your back, Ron. I really screwed up an ankle on the 4th of July last year in a fall. It took me 20 mins to get up to where I could kind of stand on the other leg and another 20 to go the 50 feet back into the house. Doc said there was just one tendon holding it all together and had me in one of those plastic boots for several months. Now a year and 2 months later, it's still sore and aching. Doc said it'll probably give me problems from now on. Getting old sucks, but it sure beats the alternative.

[Ickie]

a little while ago I sneezed and it about brought me to my kneeze's

[Milton Shupe]

Ickie, having had my share of back issues since '83, I feel your pain. Go easy, heat and ice may help, and whatever muscle relaxer you can take.

[n4gix]

Gah! I know full well the pain and suffering you're going though, as I've been there myself about sixteen years ago. I had two herniated disks, and both L-4 and L-5 vertebrae were calcified (it was spurs from the calcification that injured the disks) and a compression crack in L-5.

I had back surgery to drain/repair the disks, scrape the calcified spurs off, and relieve the pressure. As in your case, the surgeon was not able to do anything for the cracked vertebrae except put me in traction for four weeks, then put me in a back brace for six months. I also had to put a 1/2" plywood board under my mattress to provide more support.

I also took a lot of hydrocodone 5mg/acetaminophen 500mg as well. I still get a sharp twinge now and again if I make any sudden movements, or walk down steep stairs, which alas keeps me from my washer/dryer in the basement...

Take it easy my friend and really try not to strain yourself too much for the next six months at least. :encouragement:

[Panther_99FS]

Dangit Ron - I thought you were retired!!!

That being said, relax for a bit & see if CK can handle some stuff....

[HouseHobbit]

God Bless you, I will keep you in my Prayers brother for Healing and mercy.

[Ickie]

The pain was so bad this morning I went to see my DR. I now have a very nice back brace, totally unlike the 2, I have for my old sciatica injury in the same area. 31 years I have been hurting there at the belt line. maybe suspenders are forth coming, lol.
This new brace locks me from moving the L4'ish area.
My DR told me that 50% of all back fractures in old people are to L4 and L5, note my DR is 5 years younger then me, lol.:bump:

[Blackbird686]

Geezz, Ron... I hope at some point that you start getting better. Back issues are no fun, I have had sciatica issues since my late 30's so I can relate to what you're going through... well to a degree maybe.


BB686:US-flag:

[Navy Chief]

Hopefully that brace will help you get some relief, Ron! I am only 2 yrs younger than you, and am having my share of neck/back problems.

The VA has denied my Disability Claim 3 times now (no surprise, from what a lot of other vets tell me). I am going to see a VA-appointed doc this coming week, who will "evaluate" my problems. Not looking forward to this appointment.

At at our age, when such things happen, I am glad there IS medicine that can relieve pain. Of course the downside to that is you can't really do much because you are either asleep or too loopy to function.

Take care of yourself! Pete

[paiken]

Ron...I hope the back brace does the trick for you while you heal. Be sure to do some physical therapy too (if your doctor hasn't already prescribed it) once the bones heal. Bet you won't be pulling any pipes out of the ground any more.

[Ickie]

well it has been 2 weeks plus 2 days and I am feeling better, but still have daily pain. reaching down to pull up the toilet seat is the worst of it, lol:mixed-smiley-027:
The brace really helps. I wear it about 8 hr's a day, but it get's HOT.:redfire:

[StormILM]

Sorry to hear this Ron. I too have a bad back, mine is nerve related from a fall injury from 1990. My back is okay much of the time except for the occasional nerve flare-ups from over-doing household chores. Last year lifting a single box caused me to end up being debilitated for 2 months. Anyhow, I hope you get better soon Ron!

[limjack]

Ickie! I can simpathize with you and share your paiiiiin! Although, I'm at the end of the severe pain it is not forgotten. The sneezing business is downright horrifying and also brought me to the ground! I would hang on to anything that gave me support when I felt a sneeze coming on. It help a bit. Getting out of bed commanded a great feat and goal for the day as well as just trying to sit on the toilet ( besides the simple act of doing maintenance back there...lol). I'm on week four and pain level down to 2 and 3. I'm starting to do basic chores again! Yeah

hope your healing and pain pass quickly


Jim

[HouseHobbit]

I am praying daily for you to heal, and I can honestly say I understand with my spinal injury this is very true.
God Bless you..

[Ickie]

I am in pain, due to the weather I think, , yesterday I woke at 4 am to pain and it was raining outside, the pain lasted all day.
I did weed the flower garden yesterday on my knees, lol, and today still woke to pain, note storms are just west of me by 10 miles or so. Pain pills only to lighten the load.:banghead:

[sixstrings5859]

Have a similar problem with the weather. So sorry for your pain. Regards,Scott

[DennyA]

Ouch, so sorry. :( Hope you're feeling better soon, Ickie!

[Ickie]

don't know what is happening but friday I woke to pain in my right foot, Sat woke to pain in my right leg under butt, sunday woke at 4 am to PAIN again in right leg, and this morning at 2 AM I woke to PAIN in both legs just below the BUTT and still in right foot.
Pain pills make me not notice this but something is wrong.
Maybe a pinched nerve?
Maybe exercise ?
I am calling the DR at the VA this morning.

[CH_OldZeke]

Man I've not been here for ages and this post is the 1st I see. I pray for a quick recovery.
Having dealt with serious back and neck probs after having rock fall on me in the mines
back in the 80s I know what that kind of pain is.

[CH_OldZeke]

don't know what is happening but friday I woke to pain in my right foot, Sat woke to pain in my right leg under butt, sunday woke at 4 am to PAIN again in right leg, and this morning at 2 AM I woke to PAIN in both legs just below the BUTT and still in right foot.
Pain pills make me not notice this but something is wrong.
Maybe a pinched nerve?
Maybe exercise ?
I am calling the DR at the VA this morning.


That sounds like sciatica, feels like a hot steel rod being pushed down through your leg?

[PhantomTweak]

I understand your pain completely, and empathize totally. After 4 motorcycle accidents, I KNOW pain too, and I get the aches and pains during bad weather too. What's happening to you now sounds like sciatica. Thankfully, THAT problem I don't have.
Naturally, I am NOT a medical physician. I dropped out to join the Corps. I know, not too bright, obviously :a1310: Definately get your Dr's opinion. I won't say anything about VA doctors. My daughter is a frequent flyer with her VA doc, and needless to say, I'm not impressed. Probably just that one doctor I guess. Of course, she's my pride and joy, and fellow Marine, which may cloud my judgement a little :adoration:

Anyway, I hope they get you better soonest, although the weather thing will most likely be with you the rest of your life. Mine has been so far...:banghead:
Good fortune to you sir!
Pat☺

[Ickie]

today I am feeling much better, I took the leg pillows off the bed,:pop4: also yesterday I cut my grass and took the dog on 4 long walks,:running: plus added another antenna on my pole.:redfire: so I was quite active.
now where did I put that cane. :redfire:

[Daveroo]

the leg pillows the one that goes between the knees sorta kinda?..if so,when i tried that pillow i woke each morning with more pain..i just bring my knees up towards my chest,laying on my side of course,and it helps open the space around the disc from what ive been told,all i know is if i sleep on my back,my legs are both "dead" for awhile,i hate to admit this,but i even wet myself one morning,not fun.

[PhantomTweak]

I am glad you're feeling better, at least. :D

now where did I put that cane. :redfire:
Tut tut! Guys like us don't use a "cane"! We use a HIKING STAFF! :encouragement:
I personally use a Leki WanderfreundAS, a great little staff. Fully adjustable in length, from about 2' to about 6'. Very comfortable handle. It even has a Shock Absorber built in that softens shocks to your hand and arm. It also has a carbide tip. Very handy in show and ice, although I generally only use a rubber foot over it to protect floors and such. About $65.00, IIRC. In my mind, well worth every cent.
I hope you will still go see the doc. Sometimes when you are feeling better, the symptoms may be reduced. That doesn't mean the root cause has gone away.
Anyway, I am glad things are looking up for you! May they continue to do so :triumphant:
Pat☺

[Ickie]

I woke this morning to both feet killing me, must be nerve pain it's 55* here in St Pete Florida this morning.
I see my Dr Nov 1st, can't wait. 1st time since braking my back the last Sunday in Aug.

[Roadburner440]

Man Ickie can't believe they had you come back in 2 months. At least you are still moving around and doing stuff so hopefully with time stuff will go back to normal. Just weird that it is traveling down your legs to your feet like that. Guess nerves do strange things. Cold weather definitely doesn't help either. I fell on my pinky a month and a half ago and fractured it, and I too notice the pain gets worse with the cold or wet weather. Used to not believe old people talking about that stuff, but now that I am older I guess they really weren't lying, lol.

[Ickie]

this whole thing was a screw up and stinks.
first off I broke my back on Sunday, Aug 28th 2016, and waited till

Monday to go to the VA Aug 29th 2016.
My Dr wasn't in so I had to see a step in DR late in the day, and she ordered the XRay, this was at 3 PM Monday when XRay was taken.

I was sent home

for the next 10 days I called and called and nobody would tell me what I did.
FINALLY
then 10 days later I finally got to speak to my DR nurse and she informed me of the broken back, a compression crack on L4.
She said, I already had pain pills so there is nothing else they could do

I now have to wait till Nov 01 2016 to see my DR.

[Anthin]

I know what you are going through Ickie.I hope your
Doc can get to the bottom of your problem.

Try a small electric blanket on your back.Heat helps a little.

Lay of any hard yard work,etc.

Anthin...:banghead::dizzy:

[Ickie]

I really need 1 of these but do not have the $100 to buy one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151894873798?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Roadburner440]

Sounds about right for military medicine. Go in for issue, can't do anything and tell you to come back in 10 days. I am still active, and yet we get the same response. All the times I have had strep they told me I wasn't sick, yet they sent me on me way only to call me a week later freaking out telling me I needed to pick up antibiotics. Luckily I haven't had to go through that in a few years now. :banghead:

[PhantomTweak]

When I got smallpox, at 24 in '84, I went down to sickbay in Yuma. I just thought I had a bad cold. 2 days SIQ, away I go. I walked in, the guy on duty glanced at me, did the most hilarious double-take and screamed "GET OUT!!" at me. He cracked the door just far enough, handed me a 7-day SIQ chit, wearing a gown, 2 masks (!) and 2 sets of gloves. As soon as I took it, he slammed the door, locked it, and started disinfecting it. I didn't even know what was going on! I went home, and that's all I recall for a week. Apparently I came real close to dead in place, and they never even checked on me. Great medical service, huh?
My daughter, former Marine like her daddy, keeps getting different doctors, different mixtures of drugs, different places she has to go...it's rediculous!
Over-all, I am NOT impressed with military medical systems, although I have to admit, we Marines do love the Corpsmen assigned to us. Without them, there'd be a lot fewer present and former Marines around.
I have to admit, too, that the last Dental Tech I ran into, who gave me my discharge cleaning, was friggen incredible. She was a very well blessed young lady, and sat at the top of my chair, leaning waaaay over and doing the work. I couldn't hear a word she said, just nodded, very happily may I say, any time she said anything :D Best cleaning I've had in my life. I did manage to talk her into going out waterskiing on my friend's boat with us that weekend, at least. She looked model-gorgeous in a bikini, and fell out of it all the time. Not that we minded, at all, of course!
So not ALL the mil-spec med is bad, just most of it.
Ickie, I hope you get better soonest! I know, you'l probably never be 100% again, but get as better as you can :untroubled: