advice needed

[bunaki]

Hi everyone I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice? In may 2008 I had a fall in work which left me with a prolapsed L4 and an unstable burst fracture of the t12.I was treated in the trauma ward of my local hospital. my consultant decided not to operate and I spent the next six weeks flat on my back. the staff at the hospital were not really trained for spinal injuries so I didn't get allot of my questions answered. As soon as I was able to walk I was discharged even though I could hardly pass urine and had only had my catheter removed the night before.over the next two years through visiting my GP and being referred to different consultants  I am know being treated for bowl and bladder problems.I have night time incontinence and have a sheath to wear  in the day time I also use the peristeen system. I can walk but am in constant pain from the nerve damage, all my consultant said is that "I don't know how lucky I am because the injury I had should have left me paralysed" He also said that he didn't want me to do anything physical and I was not to have any physio as this would only irritate my condition.after reading through the threads about people with similar problems to me and the advice they were given about plenty of exercise and regular physio I'm left confused by what I was told IE are there injuries that physio could make worse and should I be doing any sort of exercise. sorry for the long winded explanation but up until know I've had no real guidance and feel I've been left to my own devices. thanks in advance.

[chrisarnold]

Hi Bunaki,

Nice to know that bowel and bladder problems are considered lucky! A physio, in hospital before I was admitted into the Spinal Unit said I was "lucky" - as I wasn't going to be bedridden. Great stuff! I think it is precisely where your problem lies that can really give the pip.

Your initial six weeks was what is generally the repair period for a bone fracture. Your consultant presumably knew what he/she was doing, BUT your main problem was that staff at the hospital were not really trained for spinal injuries. This is so true without being any reflection on them. If for nothing else, you should have been taught self catheterisation. I think Peristeen is brilliant, as you can do it for yourself, far more pleasantly than the time honored finger wiggle up your backside. It is obvious that your injury was sufficiently "lucky" to merit discharge directly into the world. I hope I am not being presumptuous, (as you may had this) but you should have been trained by OT and had referral to a continence specialist nurse, probably at your local hospital. As to bladder function, drink plenty of water, and cranberry juice is excellent for bladder cleansing, though check with your GP if you are any other medications.

Pain is always a problem with SCI's, I experience a degree of pain across the lowest part of the waist/groin area. I was prescribed amitryptalene for this. I fine that exercise, just moving about helps, but deep breathing and meditation are also good, as they additionally provide a more detached view and lift depression. As to other medications for pain, this is a specialised area and again your doctor is the best one to advise on this.

Keep smiling and well,

Chris

[Andy]

hi bunaki

welcome to the forum Chris's answer pretty much covers the questions you ask, it might be worth persuing an outpatients referall to a spinal unit to have your case fully reassessed too

Andy

[bunaki]

Thanks both for the replies. I forget to say that I was referred to a incontinence nurse that's how I got the peristeen system'The last time i saw her I told her about the constant pain I am in and that I would like to know if there were any alternatives to the medication I am taking as I worry about the long term effects that these drugs will have on me. She referred me to the pain management clinic and I received a letter from them today and have an appointment in October. I read in the literature that they offer a range of different treatments other than drugs but I will have to be assessed to see if they would be appropriate for me I hope they will.Another question I have is that I'm always tired and my patience and concentration aren't what they were .I used to read a lot but now find it difficult to focus for long periods is this normal? Thanks again