Crushed and fractured L1 vertebrae

[Suzythai]

I fell on ice three weeks ago today and crushed and broke my L1 vertebrae. I spent 10 days in hospital flat on my back with 30mg Morphine twice a day plus extra doses when necessary plus paracetamol and nuerophen. I now have a brace which I wear at all times and am able to walk around and go up and down stairs.

Now I am at home the doc has reduced my morphine to 10mg morphine twice a day the pain is really constantly there although not nearly as bad as when I first had the accident. The doc wants me to continue with paracetamol and Dicoloflex tablets plus he has given me extra morphine if I need them.

The trouble is all this medication is playing havoc with my digestive system so I am now having to take medication to avoid the severe constipation I suffered at the weekend.

So my question is - how long will I need to talk all these drugs to combat the pain? I am told that after 6 weeks the bone will have healed is that really true and in that case can I stop all these pills?