My back injury

[chris]

Hello everybody my name is Chris I had an accident on 10.03. Walking down home and all of a sudden car struck me into my back. Lost my consciousness for a few minutes,when I wake up I had that strange feeling down my legs (lost them). After all this CT's and MRI's doctor said (orthopedic guy) there is nothing to worry about no broken bones and can't see any damages on spine. As for me it is because I can't walk,lost my sensation in both of my legs,having unusual spasm which totally out of my control. When I'm trying to sit (called trying to get a vertical position) no longer then after 5min Im start to feeling sick,dizzy and head start bumping. At the moment Im in Bradford Royal Infirmary ward27 they trying to mobilize myself but I can't even lift my leg to say nothing of my pain back my lumbar part. When they using the Simmer frame Im just dragin my feet feeling mostly nothing. Can anyone tell how I can get an second opinion and prove them they are wrong. I will appreciate for any help and tips.
Chris

[cate]

Hi Chris welcome to our site. a bit confused by your notes, you say you were hit by a car 10.03. do you man 10th March this year, of march year 2003/ if you mean March this year, it is still early days, just what are the doctors telling you, Are you able to stand in ther zimmer frame? have you had any physio help. you must ask the Dpctors just what do they think is going on and where you go from here.  Best of luck

[chris]

Hi Cate I'm sorry my mistake by 10.03 I meant this year 2010 with the Zimmer frame unfortunatelly I can't with my own legs. What Im doing Im just using my arms to keep the position. They've tried with physio without any success. im trying to give them some ideas using all this info from the website. Im quite frustrate at the moment because it is like game leading the blind (blind I mean doctors). Can you tell me any tips how to get a second opinion without pissing off the doctors?
 Thank for your response much oblige.

[Andy]

hi chris

welcome to you

Andy

[cate]

Hi Chris. i cannot help you with any provessing re the Doctors, maybe Gary  can  give  some advice on this.  My only thought  is to ask for a meeting with all  the Doctors treating yhou, and be very upfront but calm, ask them where you go from here.  Best of luck  with this,  but talk that is all you can do at this stage.

[Tor]

Hi Chris,

My advice would be to discuss your condition with your physiotherapist at your next session. Find out if your doctor is a dedicated Spinal Surgeon or a general orthopaedic surgeon (they should know that). Find out what grade your physiotherapist is, how much experience they have with this type of injury and whether they've been in contact with your regional spinal injury unit (Sheffield I think?) for advice or referral.
Have you had a standardised neurological assessment (ASIA assessment) where they test your full body for sensation and muscle power, segment by segment, yet? This will give you and them a base line guide as to what is going on neurologically and should be completed as soon as possible.
As for second opinions, you are perfectly entitled to ask for a second opinion if you are unsure of the diagnosis or management you are receiving- the key is to get a second opinion from an independent specialist in the spinal injury field and not just settle for a second opinion from another general orthopaedic surgeon. Ask them to refer the case to a consultant at The Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Unit, Sheffield, for assessment and advice.

Hope this helps,
Tor 

[chris]

Hi Tor its nice to meet you thanks for all these tips .
 I have already  made contct with Yorkshire Spinal Injuries Unit Wakefield but in first place I need to be discharge from the hospital. Doctors here they are ortho guys,from time to time they're sending cosultants to see me. But anyway I will get a second opinion from the Spinal Injury Unit.
Cheers

[Tor]

Any news? What have they said?

Tor

[chris]

hi Tor no news yet I've been discharged yesterday cause of the Easter I wont be able to see see any consultant till Tue next week. Im at home now just lying flat. Anyway wish you nice Easter.
Chris

[Tor]

Hey,

So what are you able to do? Are you just lying flat 24/7? or are you able to sit up and try and get out of bed?
Sorry to sound so nosey!!! I'm just amazed they let you home with no real diagnosis or plan considering your symptoms and lack of mobility! Are you still getting dizzy and faint when you try and get upright? I have a few tips on managing that if you are!

Glad you're not stuck in hospital for easter but take it easy OK!?!

Tor

[chris]

Hi Tor yes Im able to sit but not for long cause of dizziness I have. Im trying to walk using my crutches but my leg are completely stiffed. But anyway positive Im looking forward to be assessed by a specialist from the Yorkshire Spinal Injuries Unit. Let you know what was the outcome.
Chris