L3 Burst Fracture

[BlessedTiff]

I was injured in a head-on collision in May of 2010. I am almost at the four month point. Upon injury I was told that I needed surgery. I have a L3 burst fracture without any neurological damage. I have rods and screws placed two vertebrea above and below the injury.  I have been doing lots of research on this and have heard lots of different outcomes.  Days before my surgery I was placed in a back brace which I currently reside in. I am not currently in a great deal of pain, but it can get uncomfortable when I lye flat. My major concern was  if I would be able to return to my normal activity. I am in my early 30s with a 5 yr old and 14 yr old who is very active. I am getting ready to begin PT. I just have several questions, if the hardware can break, or if I would injury myself if I sleep on my side.
This is a very scary situation but I have to thank god that I am alive. I was told that the severity of my injury I was to be paralized or dead. If there is anyone who has experienced this situation or simular I would love to talk with you. Its always good to talk with others to get real life experience.  

[Kalvin]

It sounds like you've been through quite an ordeal. You are fortunate, sometimes stories like yours can have terrible consequences, its nice to hear a good story once in awhile.  We occasionally get people on here that have had fractures, but not a lot.

I've had back surgery and I have rods in screws in my low back, although their for a completely different reason than yours are, and I haven't had any problems with my hardware. Failures do happen, but there very rare and I wouldn't be to concerned about it.

As far as getting back to normal activity, you should be able too, and the fact that you don't have a lot of pain will definitely help. But its going to be gradual and it'll take time. P.T plays a very important role in this. Hopefully, you'll have a good Therapist, because they can make a big difference. It took me about 6 months to feel half way decent after surgery, and about a year to fully recover, but I had pretty serious nerve problems with my leg. I was your age when I had surgery.

I don't know about laying on your side, you're going to have to ask your Doctor about that. Its the only way I can sleep. Maybe someone else will see your post and add their thoughts.


Take Care

[Irenak]

I hope you find someone to talk to.  I would recommend supplementing your traditional care with some alternative care for the best outcome.  Homeopathy would help as would energy work such as Reiki or something similar. They can't hurt and don't interfere with the traditional care.