Car accident

My family was headed to Disneyland for vacation when a car smashed into us.  I was having some neck, back, shoulder, arm and leg pain after and we had went to the Urgent Care the following day.  They didn't do x-rays.  Basically just said I had strained my neck, shouler, and lower lumbar.  Went to follow up with my primary when we got back home and he no longer worked there so I had to take another doctor.  He prescribed me Hodrocordone for the pain and Xanax for insomnia and still said I had the strains.  After this visit (but before taking any medication) I was serverly nauseous and severly numb on my entre right side of the body (face, arm, and leg).  I never took the Zanax and I took the Hydrocordone a few times, but had to stop since it was making me even more nauseous.  I made another doctor appointment with a new doctor at the facility and told her of my nauseousness and numbness.  The doctor told me she would do c-spine x-rays, physical therapy, and possibly an mri.  Did the x-rays and found that my c-spine is in a straight line and not curved.  I asked her if she recommended the mri still and she was extremly rude and said "you can get a second opinion".  I have now scheduled an appointment with a new primary physician.  I have been told that the MRI is the only way to tell if you have any disk issues and would like to get one done.  I am in severe pain with all of the following symptoms, extreme headache, pain in neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, lower back, numbness on entire right hand side of body, nauseousness, and I think I am having slightly blurred vision.  Do you think I have been underdiagnosed for my issues?  I feel like I have just been given the run around and they aren't taking my pain seriously.

[mike1105]

sounds like a whiplash injury. there may be some disc issues on your MRI but if nothing jumps out and says "it's me" I'd be inclined to fix this problem through soft tissue treatment-- massgag, proper exercise and stretches, trigger point release  which you probably have especially in the upper traps, scms and most especially in the scalenes.

[mike1105]

sounds like a whiplash injury. there may be some disc issues on your MRI but if nothing jumps out and says "it's me" I'd be inclined to fix this problem through soft tissue treatment-- massgag, proper exercise and stretches, trigger point release  which you probably have especially in the upper traps, scms and most especially in the scalenes.

[giveitback]

Hi -

That sucks about missing out on your vacation in such a volatile way, so sorry. How long ago was this accident? I think the doctors are doing the right thing, thus far. You had the xrays to rule out any fractures or breakage. You should definitely get the MRI to rule out any disc issues (herniations or annular tears, etc). You should certainly try physical therapy for all of your muscular strains.
My best advice would be to have patience. It takes a long time for muscles to heal from such an abrupt violent blow. Strained muscles can be extremely painful. Pain caused by disc herniation (particularly nerve compression) that can cause numbness, tingling, burning and weakness come with their own intense level of pain.
I was in a car accident myself - please be prepared for a long road of recovery & keep a positive attitude. I know it's hard with the pain you are experiencing.
Note: If the physical therapy helps and you are making progress, that is great, but, if it increases your pain and makes you worse, stop going as there may be some underlying condition they are aggravating. ie, prolonging your recovery.

Best of luck to you

[painfulmama]

The accident was September 10, 2007.  My doctor refuses to get me an mri.  She was very rude and told me to get a second opinion.  And they have yet to schedule my physical therapy.  I have an appointment with a new doctor on Monday.  I am in horrible pain and can barely care for my baby.  I don't know what to do.  I have already lost 3 pounds and I don't have much strength in my right side of my body.  I am looking for something I can do until I see this next doctor.  

[giveitback]

Ok, so this is very very new. Just hang in there, you are doing the right thing by getting a new doctor. After you go to the new doctor, request an MRI if he/she does not suggest one first. That doctor should most likely send you in for PT. In the meantime, you can use the heating pad for a little relief and take some Motrin for inflammation. Of course, if you have pain pills, take them!  Sometimes a very cold washcloth on the forehead and temples can take away a nasty headache. These are all just little things that may bring you some relief until you go back to the doctor. If you get too bad, go to the emergency room and have them give you an injection for pain relief. Oh, and pray. : )

Cheers!

[chadry]

I agree with giveitback and her suggestions. I totally agree about going to the er if it becomes too bad. I have gone there on several occasions in between doctor appointments and have been given something to help alleviate that pain. I take Xanax at night to sleep. Just a small dose but the next time I go to my primary I am going to ask for Valium instead. They gave  Valium to me one time when I went to the er and it helps you get sleep but it is also a muscle relaxer where the Xanax is not. Also you can become dependant on Xanax. Or I should say your body can become dependeant on it. I like my Xanax at night though. I only take a very mild dose, just enough to help me drift off to sleep and get a few hours before the pain kicks in. I do not like the strong pain pills and to be honest I have never taken one. I am afraid of those kind of drugs. I also use a heating pad if needed. That seems to help me,and I do take some motrin if I have too, just make sure to eat with those. Good luck with the new doctor and I would make sure you get an MRI because it shows so much more than an X-Ray. Also sometimes time is the body's best healer. You have to have rest also, that is when your body rejuvinates itself, so try to get adequate rest eveyday. I know it is hard with kids (I raised 8) and I now have a 2 year old granddaughter here. Some days I can not do for what needs to be done. Just try your hardest not to overdo it. Take care. Also it can be intimidating sometimes when you go to the doctor but maybe have a list of things you would like answered, so you have something there with you. I know someone who keeps a journal which is something I should do also. This may help  when you go to the doctors, this way you do not forget to mention something that may be important.
Chadry

[lilbee]

I was also in a car accident and experienced very similar symptoms. My accident occurred July 14th. All CT & MRI tests were normal. But I am experiencing numbness/tingling in my right arm, right side of my face, & chin. And the right side of my neck & shoulder feel weak & painful. When I go to physical therapy I feel like it's aggravating my pain, and I don't know if I should continue it. Just trying to keep a positive attitude and unsure of what my next step should be. Any suggestions?