I'm so glad I found everyone here, I'm 37 years young, and in 2006 suffered a fall that left my life in shambles. If this seems like I am dumping, it's because I have found people that are going through what I have, or similarly. It started with L5/S1 being damaged (both bone and disc), I ended up with a fracture and compression because of the disc instantly rupturing and shoving centrally against the spine. It started rather minor after the fall, with an ortho removing parts of the disc and bone that were basically shoved against my spine. 4+ years later, things went downhill. At first I was able to get around fine with the help of a cane or two, and on really bad days a set of forearm crutches, and on really good days (not often), I could almost walk normally. Except after a short distance, I would be in so much pain, it would take me half a day to recover from it. Now, after my latest MRI, they've found that structurally my entire lumbar region is falling apart. When I had fallen, it was rather a sight to see too. A 240 lb grown man doing the splits (I actually popped both joints/hips too with the force of the fall.)
I've endured blocks, a spinal cord stimulator, 2 surgeries, a total of 3 years of physical therapy and rehabilitation, and at one point, was almost able to return to my normal daily life!.. And 4 years of the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. I'm now left with very limited mobility, with 2 crutches or canes, I hobble everywhere I go. For someone working 60+ hours a week, and active outside of work and home, I don't know what ended up being worse. The inability to do all the things I used to enjoy, or the ever increasing pain and things that came with it.
There is some damage in terms of sensory (I have some areas where I feel nothing, and have to be really careful in my daily routine because of it.), as well as quite the opposite, there are some times, when the pain doesn't let me sleep at all for days in a row. (the past 2 days show a prime example.) As well as interference with motor control. I'm now unable to even drive because of these issues worsening.
Because of genetic and other issues including degenerative disc disease, and arthritis, I'm told things simply aren't going to get much better. Also because most of the damage is actually structural, and there's only limited damage to the nerves some treatments are being left out of my plan. So now, my entire lumbar is falling apart on a very rapid and large scale. I'm not sure of the scope of it all, with all the cryptic talk of surgeries, treatments, therapy, rehabilitation and stuff all I know, is my life in one day, changed beyond anything I could have imagined (or feared). I dunno if all of this makes sense, maybe now I'm rambling so I'll just shut up!
Thanks~
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