Dear List Members
Having recently subscribed to the list, as in today 20th December, I am
hopeful that I can interest some of your members in providing me with
some advice on my predicament.
In July of 1997 I was involved in a road traffic accident, where my
vehicle was rear ended at high speed and I suffered a spinal whiplash
with accompanying severe soft tissue damage to the lower thoracic area
surrounding L4/5. Since then I had managed to muddle on as best I could
through the good days and the bad days.
In July of this year I slipped in the shower falling and at the same
time twisting, causing me to be taken back to hospital where I remained
flat on my back for a week. I was duly discharged, although am still
under the care of my orthopaedic consultant. He advises that he can do
nothing for me since the tests carried out including an MRI scan show no
bone deformity with the exception of the severe soft tissue damage and
that the pain control drugs currently prescribed, including Morphine,
Tramadol, Dihydrocodeine, Carbamazepine, Nitrazepam, Diazepam & Voltarol
are the only way forward.
I cannot possibly continue in this situation, I currently use a
wheelchair for lengthy journeys out of doors, elbow crutches and walking
frames. The slightest flexion or extension brings on severe pain after
approx. 15 minutes and that any form of twisting movement is, well,
impossible is understatement.
I was formerly a ski instructor and long to return to this occupation,
and wonder whether the lists good members can give me the benefit of
their information in respect to a spinal orthoses suitable for my
problem.
Finally may I take this opportunity of thanking you in anticipation of
your assistance, and wish all members the compliments of the season.
Regards.
John A MacInnes
