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jopfef
Home of The Rat Patrol
MVM
join:2001-03-31
Saint Louis, MO

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jopfef

MVM

[Serious] I'm broken!


Ouch!!!
Got a call from the radiologist at the hospital this afternoon, and I have a fractured back. Something called a compression fracture of L1; reference attached picture from a Google search.

I was in a nasty car accident two days ago; my van decided have a frame break, buckled in the middle, all the windows shattered except for the front and rear windows, the sliding door fell off, I shot across the highway, jumped some sort of concrete curb thing, wiped out all the road signs, and almost rolled -- it was all I could do to try to keep the van under control long enough to get it stopped. Every seat in the van broke loose, and my seat back broke loose and hit me in the back. Dusty survived without any injury, thankfully; the rest of the dogs were at home. Someone called the cops, who arrived within minutes, and they called an ambulance. I sent the ambulance back; they wouldn't take me to the local hospital unless I left Dusty in the van. Yeah, right -- bitterly cold weather and no windows in the van -- buncha fools! A friend of mine drove out from St. Louis and brought me back to town, and we went straight to the ER. Pain level was astronomical; it was an effort not to holler out in pain. They were nice enough to set an IV line and shoot me up with injectable Toradal, the best NSAID ever for instant pain relief. I could feel it working within a minute of injection. Over the next 7+ hours I went to x-ray and slept for several hours while waiting to see a doctor. He finally came in to see me (they were very busy that day; lots of ambulances going in and out...), told him what happened, and he said he couldn't see anything in the films. Sent me home with alot of drugs ( ) and told me to ice down for 48 hours and then switch to moist heat after that. And that's what I've been doing, till the hospital called today after the radiologist read the x-rays. Now I'm scheduled to see an orthopedic specialist tomorrow, and will probably have to wear a back brace for a few months.

The van is in the junkyard; there's nothing left of it. Going out there tomorrow to get my stuff out of it; handicapped sticker and all my stuff from the glove compartment, etc. Want to make sure I get my expensive window ice/snow removal gadget; don't feel like buying another one. So on top of my back situation, I also have to go through the hassle of acquiring another vehicle. Like I'm really feeling like going shopping for another van -- phooey.

I'm taking it easy; eating my drugs like a good kid, and spending alot of time on the couch doing a combination of sleeping and watching TV. Today I feel much better than I did yesterday and the day before; just moving slowly and being very careful when I do anything. Feeding the dogs is a bit tricky, since they eat off the floor, but I've figured out how to put down/pick up their bowls with a minimum of pain. Thankfully, I have a very comfortable computer chair, or I wouldn't be telling this to all of you!

An update will follow, after I see the doctor tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's to drugs!!!

January 29, 2009 Update: »[Serious] Under the knife...

January 31, 2009 Homecoming: »Welcome home, Jo!

Vtblues
if you can't get out of it, get in to it
Premium Member
join:2006-05-29
Brookfield, VT

1 recommendation

Vtblues

Premium Member

I'm praying for you. I too go through life with pretty much everything existing below my knees living in a land of make believe.

Sunny
Runs from Clowns

join:2001-08-19

1 recommendation

Sunny to jopfef

to jopfef
Oh, Jo. I have been worried your van would give up and just die one of these days, but had no idea it could do so in such a spectacular way.

I am so sorry about your injuries, but have to say I am even more thankful you're alive.

Please take very good care of you.

Carol6
Premium Member
join:2001-07-08
Garden City, ID

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Carol6 to jopfef

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to jopfef
Oh, Jo! So glad you and Dusty made it through, but what a way for your van to go! Take care of you and hope you feel better soon.

howieh
4 more weeks
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join:2000-08-06
Metuchen, NJ

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howieh to jopfef

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to jopfef
Prayers offered. Jo, I hope that all turns out OK for you.

rfhar
The World Sport, Played In Every Country
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join:2001-03-26
Buicktown,Mi

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rfhar to jopfef

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to jopfef
I will pray for you Jo. It sounds like you ate lucky to be alive.

meester4
Premium Member
join:2000-06-03
Oklahoma City, OK

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meester4 to jopfef

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to jopfef
Hang in there Jo just said a quick Prayer for you. Now take it easy mind the DR.

TrainBuff
The New Haven Railroad
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join:2003-05-01
Buffalo, NY

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I'm glad that you both made it. Like sorto wrote,I'm also glad that both of you are alive. But also sorry to hear of your injuries.
Please take care of yourself and hope that you will be feeling better soon.

rusdi
American V
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join:2001-04-28
Flippin, AR

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rusdi to jopfef

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OUCH!!
Get well Jo!

Hmmm. "Frame broke"? Know a good Lawyer?

squirt
cacatne alces in silvis?
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join:2004-04-27
Out Grazing

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squirt to jopfef

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Wow!

That does not sound like it was a good day. Here's hoping that the recovery goes smoothly.

wxboss
This is like Deja vu all over again.
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join:2005-01-30
Fort Lauderdale, FL

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wxboss to jopfef

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to jopfef
I'm glad that both of you came through all this relatively unscathed. It sounds like it could have been a lot worse.

Hope you feel better soon!

Santa Fe
BUT.....I Digress!

join:2000-08-22
Freight Yard

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Santa Fe to jopfef

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Prayers being sent! Get Well SOON! (Yes, I said the SOON word!)

Gizmo
Trust Me I'm a Professional
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join:2000-08-19
In Your Mind

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Gizmo to jopfef

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Get well soon, Jo!

Sending prayers and lots of MOJO!!!

suprleg
Abracadabra
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join:2004-05-06
Garden Grove, CA
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suprleg to jopfef

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It sounds like the accident could have been much worse, we're all very thankful it wasn't!
Get better soon, my prayers and mucho mojo are on their way.

simplykristi
Cancer Sucks
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join:2001-11-28
Blue Springs, MO

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simplykristi to jopfef

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Yikes Jo! I am sorry to hear about your back injury. Take it easy!

Kristi

CatSnak
Live to Ride
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join:2001-05-06
Ashland, OR

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CatSnak to jopfef

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Sorry to here about your injury! Get well soon Jo!

I narrowly avoided an ER visit yesterday morning when Lovely spooked, dumped me on the ground and then proceeded to step on my ankle (thankfully it didn't break). Luckily it was soft where I landed and there weren't any rocks.

opus74
Deep Thought
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join:2002-03-04
Coello, IL

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opus74 to jopfef

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Oh my! Jo, Take care of youself !!

Hope you are better very soon

wanabegeek
1917-1987
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join:2007-06-11
Phoenix, AZ

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Rest and Get Well Jo


Prayers on the way!

santy
Don't Follow Me, I'M Lost Too
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join:2001-06-10
Wilmington, IL

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Lots of Prayers and MOJO going out to you Jo. I'm sorry to here about this and I'm glad you and Dusty didn't get killed.

Dominokat
"Hi"
Premium Member
join:2002-08-06
Boothbay, ME

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Dominokat to jopfef

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to jopfef
Ouch! Sounds painful.
From the discription of the accedant, you are really luckt to still be here!
How does a frame let loose????

Take care and stay still while you get fixed!
I hope you get fixed soon!

BadHat
Hook'M Horns
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join:2003-10-14
Rosa's Place

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BadHat to jopfef

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to jopfef
Dang Jo!! I hate to hear that. I will have you in my prayers and thoughts, darlin. I have had back surgeries before and dealt with back pain. Make sure you do what the Doc says and rest.

usa2k
Blessed
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join:2003-01-26
Westland, MI

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usa2k

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!!!!

You get well! Prayers going out now.
Glad to have you breathing - that all sounds like so much for a person to endure!

signmeuptoo94
Bless you Howie
Premium Member
join:2001-11-22
NanoParticle

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signmeuptoo94 to jopfef

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to jopfef
Man I feel bad for you! Thanks Heaven's you are your dear dog made it without, well, let's not even say it!

I sure hope and pray you will heal properly and quickly and lastingly. I'll have the Mrs. light a candle at Santa Nino Cathedral for you.

God Bless.

BTW, I'd go after the vehicle manufacturer if it is evident that it was faulty workmanship/design.

PeteC2
Got Mouse?
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join:2002-01-20
Bristol, CT

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PeteC2

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Awww Jo! Sorry for your situation, but happy that at least you and your passenger survived! I hope that your back mends with a minimum of pain/discomfort, and that you are back to normal quickly.

mig
MVM
join:2000-10-26
Anytown, USA

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mig to jopfef

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Our prayers are out for you and a speedy recovery from your injuries.

Glad you were not injured any worse than you are. Take care

mouseferatu
Too many cats, Too many mice
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join:2004-03-16
Im not sure

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mouseferatu to jopfef

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to jopfef
I go away for a couple of days, and I come back and you are all sore with broken bones!

Sending a really big hug in your direction, and hoping that you will get positive news from the doctor in the AM. I am so very, very happy that you got out of that old van alive, Jojo... I think that it is truly a miracle!

As miserable as a compression fracture is, I am glad that it is not in your neck, as time in a back brace is certainly an unpleasant thought, but much better than the alternatives.

Toradol is indeed wonderful stuff, is it not?!

If the Toradol makes you too sleepy, I figured that the above graphic would be much better than a "Get Well Soon" ever would in inspiring you to keep movin'...
That thing'll scare anyone, even with a little painkiller onboard.

ehansman
He's Back - KIMI 2012
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join:2002-01-21
Over Here

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Jo, Jo, Jo...next time you want to get a new car, remember you don't have to take the old one out in such spectacular fashion!
I'm glad they found the fracture (even if it took them a little while) and it's something that can be treated.
Take it easy, my dear. Enjoy the good drugs and the time on the couch, and I hope the appointment with the doctor goes well.

suprleg
Abracadabra
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Garden Grove, CA
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Click for full size
Still thinking of you and hoping each day finds you feeling better and better!

jopfef
Home of The Rat Patrol
MVM
join:2001-03-31
Saint Louis, MO

2 recommendations

jopfef

MVM

Okay, here's the update.

Saw the orthopedic spinal doctor on Wednesday, and had a full exam. A very nice man, and he was very considerate and gentle with me. He nearly shot me through the ceiling when he was checking my back along my spine; it's extremely painful. I have to get an MRI done; he thinks there might be chips in there that might have to be removed. (Not if I can help it!!!) He's also ordered a full back brace for me to wear for the next several months; I get it next Wednesday when I see him again. I nearly gagged -- the brace is $3500, and I just don't have that kinda money lying around here. So we'll see what happens with wearing that thing; I'm supposed to wear it continuously unless I'm asleep. Geez.... Do I have take a shower with it on??? NOT!!!

In the meantime, I'm taking alot of (prescription) drugs to keep me comfy and try to prevent the spasms that hurt so much when they hit without warning.

Went to the junkyard yesterday and got all my stuff out of the van. It was so sad to see it there all torn to pieces. I more than got my money's worth out of it, but what an awful way to have to end its useful life. The yard owner took the van in exchange for the towing; said he could part it out for alot more money than it cost to tow it from the scene of the accident. So I didn't have to pay for towing or storage; one small bright light in all this nasty mess.

Thank you, all of you, for your wonderful words of kindness and support. It's really appreciated, and puts a smile on my face as I read through.

PeteC2
Got Mouse?
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join:2002-01-20
Bristol, CT

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PeteC2

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Jo, I can understand that having bone chips removed is not an appealing prospect...but...if it needs be done, please do not hesitate/procrastinate, these things generally do not "fix" themselves, nor get better with time.

$3500 for a back brace?!?!?! Yikes! Again though, you need what you need to recover! If you do not have adequate (or any) insurance, there are a surprising number of avenues/programs out there, but you have to do a lot of checking into it. Chronic back pain has to be one of the worst things to deal with day in and day out, I hope that you do anything and everything needed to have a full recovery!