Bit fucked up...

[Phalanx]

So my chick (who some of you know, some don't...)
went out with her niece for her birthday to go horse-riding. I didn't go along since I'd already passed on the birthday wishes to the niece, that and last time I went horse riding, wasn't worth the walking issues over the few following days.
So the two nieces, their mother and Anna were gonna go along.

I guess when you're dealing with a potentially dangerous activity, slight concerns can always flicker across your mind...so I didn't think all that much of it when in the three days prior, I gave the whole "be careful, make sure your helmet is on right" and all of that. My brain wouldn't quit on it...just had a bad feeling someone was going to get injured...but yknow, not being a particular subscriber to any kind've paranormal theories, didn't take it any more seriously that yknow, I was worried or whatever.
I'll state now I think that was just the case, but her, as it turns out, shit happens.

This was yesterday 'noon.
I got a call from the niece just after they were supposed to finish, first line "Anna's ok"...conversation followed to reveal she'd been thrown off a normally perfectly behaved horse, who did it for no apparent reason. So, went into the local hospital where they'd taken her. She fell on her side/back, and was in a lot of pain...After waiting about 8 hours for various tests, turned out she'd sprained a muscle badly, taken a knock to the kidneys, and the worst of it is that she's fractured part of her spine. Nothing near the spinal chord, I'm not sure what you call them, but the bits that stick out on the sides of the main spine, (L2 and L3 if that means anything to anyone).
She can still walk, well, eventually...right now it just causes (more) pain. All going well there will be a full recovery, but there's also the potential of some mobility issues, and ongoing pain, yknow...like, forever. I'm hoping that's not the case.

So, you guys hate hospitals too?
I hate that she can't be home, and that just being there has made her sick too...this thing not healing right even being a small potential is just fucking my head right now...I hate that they won't let me stay with her...it's like, when you've been with someone for so long, and you're so used to them being around, I dunno about you all, but I'm just walking around feeling at a loose end no matter what, it's like empty becomes a state of being. Eating and sleeping go right out the window...I've had about 2 hours since it happened...just in a fuckin' daze, stuck between hoping things are right and screaming at myself to expect the worst...feels like I'm cracking up here...thinking about her stuck there alone, in nothing but bullshit pain, being sick to boot, alone among nothing but strange people...can't even wear her own fucking clothes...I dunno, just haven't had to deal with something like this before...I know work tommorow is gonna be no kinda fun. I just want this to be over.

Playstation doesn't cut it, tv, I've even ran...nothing quits this...and I aint about to just get wasted at the potential of making things worse, so I decided to come in here and unload my shit on you folks...Ugh...sorry, just at such a void right now

[Zero]

so sorry to hear of this - i gues sshe's lucky to not be more seriously hurt but it still sucks.

weird that you would have that feelin cheebs - let me know if you have any visions about monkeys!

and give anna all my best- maybe she'll be able to swing by here and we can cheer her up!

[yourlastmistake]

yeah, sorry cheeba. just be glad that she wasn't more seriously hurt. just a suggestion on keeping your mind off things... exercise ,.and I dont mean just running a couple of miles. I mean to the point of exhaustion. For me it's lifting weights. when i'm stressed or frustated i will hit the weights hard. I try to lift
more weight or push my reps further, like a fuckin madman. not only does it help me mentally ( it releases feel- good endorphins from the brain ) but it helps me relax physically. Best of luck.

[Kane_Hodder]

Sorry to hear. Best of luck for her recovery and for your good spirits again.

[crabapple]

Very sorry to hear about this. Sending good thoughts and best wishes for Anna's recovery.

[newb]

Damn Cheebs....so sorry to hear this.I understand your feeling of helplessness, been there on a couple of occasions,but you have to try to stay positive. For your own sake and hers.

[Roderick Usher]

Having dealt with a similar situation (family member, accident, spinal injury) I feel for you and Anna. I understand the frustration, and the inconsolable helplessness that goes along with the situation.

As much as you hate hospitals, she is hating it worse. The only thing that can be done is to spend as much time with her as possible (whatever hospital policy allows) since the separation only increases the sense of anxiety for the both of you. And when you're with her...be a ray of sunshine! Fake it if you have to, but she needs you right now, and being truly needed by someone is where we show exactly what we are made of.

Cry your eyes out at home if you have to, but be awesome for her when you see her.

Deepest sympathy and well wishes for the both of you.

[Despare]

I've dealt with something similar too, it's funny that everybody will tell you "It could have been worse." and while they're right, that doesn't help (but you will remember it later and think about how right those people were). Good luck.

[jenna26]

Sorry for you both that you are going through this. Hoping for the best, that she has a quick and complete recovery. Best wishes to both of you. And positive thinking really does do wonders, even if sometimes it is hard going.

[Shazbut]

Bloody hell!! So sorry to hear about your lady being hurt. She will be okay as time goes on - it's all just a little raw at the moment.

You sure must be close to have had a premonitive jolt.

As *Rod* says: cry your eyes out occasionally - get some of the pent up worry and grief out. Although Anna was very lucky not to have sustained anything worse, it is still a shock to both of you and shock leaves us in a kinda stupor for a while, where we cant think straight or doing anything without feeling like shit. So, let it out occasionally.

When you get to see her - give her all our love from here!

[scarecrow666]

Very sorry.Wishing her a very speedy recovery.

[Posher778]

Sorry about the problems, that's not fun to deal with. You aren't alone totally though, my mom just lost her father and of course.... the entire family is taking it out on me...

[Phalanx]

Sorry about the problems, that's not fun to deal with. You aren't alone totally though, my mom just lost her father and of course.... the entire family is taking it out on me...
Sorry you gotta be there...not fun when normal dissapears, hm...

Thanks folks...I've been going in to see her every day after work which I'm trying like hell to concentrate on, calling her whenever they'll let her accept calls and all.
Looks like the walking bit will be ok, with some pain and mobility issues...I'm hoping physio sorts it all out, I'll just help where I can.
Anyways, sorry to just unload here...I can see now why some people do, when there's nobody around to talk to...all the same, thankyou for the kind words, I'll pass on the wishes and keep you informed.
- B

[Zero]

Keep you chin up mate!

I'm amazed at how much physical therapy can accomplish these days - I've had numerous friends/relatives go through serious injuries and come out fairly ok - so keep the hope alive!!

and, of course, you are always welcome to come here and vent/unload/bitch/piss/moan/sob whatever - that's what friends are for!!!

[Spallalala]

Awwwww....I heard he wrote this and had to see and now im crying ( not just from the pain ha)..

Anyway im home now, not having too much fun cos hard to sit and lay down, just glad to be back with the man and away from the old peeps screaming "help me" at 4am.

What happened was that the horse seem to have been spooked by laser skirmish which was happnin about 100ms away. He kept looking around left and right and just jumped up and I slid off the side of him crash bang into dirt. No dizzyness or pins and needles so thats always a good sign my head is intact.

My 15yrold neice is terrified. She sat with me with and the man in the emergency ward until 2am when I was admitted to hospital. Love the girl so much. Never had the closeness of family around me except for the man and its a nice change.

Haven't cried so much in a long time but its so good to get it out. Hopefully the outcome of this won't be too bad. Long term effects are sharp pains here and there and walking can sometimes be a bit hard. Still scares the hell out of me, just thinking if I lay down wrong with something else fuck up on me.

Right now I feel like an 80yrold trapped in a 25yrold body. I feel so helpless. Having to ask a nurse to do all the things you would do yourself is scary and makes you feel like shit.

I had to come in a say thanks to all you guys, the ones that know me and the ones that don't..I will try and stick around in horror for a bit, its been a while.

I hope I have made some sense and not too many s[pelling mistakes. Drugs are doing weired things and I haven't had any weed in about 5days also so that could be the weridness too.

Thankyou again all. Im glad you guys were around to talk to the man, didn't realize he would be so upset but he did have the whole bad feeling thing which I know now to listen to.

Time to drug myself, talk a little shit and take about 10mins to lay down. Will keep you guys update if anything changes. :)

[_____V_____]

Read this just now...and I am so glad Spa logged in and said she was alright. Sorry for the pain you felt, Cheebs...I know cuz I have gone through a similar situation before...and it felt like a bitch to be alone and not being able to do anything about shit...the helplessness is a real torture...

I am sure glad everything turned out to be ok, and that you are back home again recuperating, Spa. Its been awhile since I saw your last post, so it is heartening both to see you back posting again, PLUS informing that you are feeling a bit better and back home.

Think of it this way, Spa...now you got your very OWN personal nurse. How cool is that? You can even tell her to lay down on the floor and roll...she ll do it!:D

Seriously though, I know you ll get better in no time. A lot of love and personal attention from Cheebs will do wonders to your recovery...cheers to both of you.

Get well soon. All my best wishes and prayers are with you two.

[newb]

Awwwww....I heard he wrote this and had to see and now im crying ( not just from the pain ha)..

Anyway im home now, not having too much fun cos hard to sit and lay down, just glad to be back with the man and away from the old peeps screaming "help me" at 4am.

What happened was that the horse seem to have been spooked by laser skirmish which was happnin about 100ms away. He kept looking around left and right and just jumped up and I slid off the side of him crash bang into dirt. No dizzyness or pins and needles so thats always a good sign my head is intact.

My 15yrold neice is terrified. She sat with me with and the man in the emergency ward until 2am when I was admitted to hospital. Love the girl so much. Never had the closeness of family around me except for the man and its a nice change.

Haven't cried so much in a long time but its so good to get it out. Hopefully the outcome of this won't be too bad. Long term effects are sharp pains here and there and walking can sometimes be a bit hard. Still scares the hell out of me, just thinking if I lay down wrong with something else fuck up on me.

Right now I feel like an 80yrold trapped in a 25yrold body. I feel so helpless. Having to ask a nurse to do all the things you would do yourself is scary and makes you feel like shit.

I had to come in a say thanks to all you guys, the ones that know me and the ones that don't..I will try and stick around in horror for a bit, its been a while.

I hope I have made some sense and not too many s[pelling mistakes. Drugs are doing weired things and I haven't had any weed in about 5days also so that could be the weridness too.

Thankyou again all. Im glad you guys were around to talk to the man, didn't realize he would be so upset but he did have the whole bad feeling thing which I know now to listen to.

Time to drug myself, talk a little shit and take about 10mins to lay down. Will keep you guys update if anything changes. :)



There she is.....good to see you're home and on the road to recovery.:)

[ferretchucker]

Get well soon Spal. I remember the days when...well, i remember days but I can't really remember much from the past about you. Erm, your old avatar was a cat with a green thingy. Well, there is no past to you. You're the future man! The future!

[Spallalala]

My cat with the frog suit on hahahahaa. Back in the day. Man talk about making me feel old. :)


Took me 3hrs to get outta bed. Will get used to the stiffness hopefully. As long as I can feel like legs im not so worried.

I hate right now that I can't do anything..takes me ages to get outta bed, can't wash or go to the bathroom properly ( I won't go into any great detail to avoid people throwing up hhe). In hospital I cried heaps cos couldn't do anything for myself, that includes openin a bottle of water.

Med time again....back later before my typing goes all funky hehe

[crabapple]

Thank goodness you're basically okay, Dude had us all worried into fits over you! (Whew!)

[Spallalala]

Well its good to see the good folk of horror kept him sane ( well as sane as he can be anyway) :)

I just noticed this big lump in my back too , no more flat back for me.

Dayum drugs making me all funky.

But yes bascially ok. Learning some breathing techniques and trying to figure out how to get outta bed in less then an hour anyway.

If you guys know of any stretches or any advice you can throw at me it would be appreciated.

[bloodrayne]

L2 and L3 if that means anything to anyoneThat means 'Lumbar 2 and Lumbar 3'...The spine is labeled in 3 separate parts:

Cervical - Those are the vertebrae in the neck, from the base of the skull, to the shoulders

Thoracic - From the shoulders, to just below the waist

Lumbar - From below the waist, to the tailbone (Sacrum)

Each individual vertebra is numbered, from bottom to top...So, Lumbar 2 and 3 are the second and third vertebra in the lower back

Lumbar injuries cause the most problems and pain because that's the part of the back where we carry the most weight when we're standing upright, and that's the part that gets pulled on the most when we bend over...It's also more difficult for this part of the back to heal BECAUSE it's used so much

I'm sure that by now the doctors have explained all of this to you, I'm just laying it out here to let you know that I know what you're going through (and to inform our other members if they're curious)...


If you guys know of any stretches or any advice you can throw at me it would be appreciated.Anna, you're really going to have to take it easy for quite a while, I wouldn't try 'stretching' just yet (you should be able to tell when it's the right time, when there's the least amount of pain and potential disk slippage)...There's not really much that they can do for these types of injuries...If you haven't tried walking up and down any stairs yet, I'll tell ya right now, that's gonna be a major bitch (It's because of the way the weight is distributed kinda crooked on the lower back when you step up or down and one foot is higher than the other)...I feel for ya, I really do

Daily Calcium supplements will help to strengthen the bones, you may wanna try that especially since you're female (females generally start to 'lose' calcium as they get older, over 25...It can lead to osteoporosis, so it's really not a bad idea to take Calcium supplements even if you hadn't injured your back)

If it's possible for you to lose weight, or if that's something you might considered doing, that would help a LOT for the pain because it would put much less stress and pressure on your lower back while standing AND bending over...That would give Cheeba more things to experiment with, low fat, low calorie dishes that taste awesome and are filling :)

If you DO need to bend over for something (like picking something up off the floor) you should SQUAT, not BEND...That will help to take the stress off of your back, too and help to keep the lower vertebrae from slipping...And you shouldn't attempt to lift anything heavy for a VERY long time

You'll most likely develop arthritis in these bones (it happens once they've been injured) and rain and cold will REALLY fuck with it...But, that shouldn't be for at least a couple years...Usually when the vertebrae are injured, the cartilage in between the bones is injured too and can erode over time, causing the bones to rub together in spots and sometimes pinching nerves (which can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and sometimes immobility)...So, please be ALWAYS aware of your lower back and what you're doing to/with it

Getting out of bed after you've slept (or just laid still) for a while, will be a bit difficult because the area can stiffen up from immobility...But, after getting up and around for a bit, it should ease up

You'll also have swelling in that area from time to time, which makes a sore, tender "lump"...That's to let you know when you've overdone it, and it can also happen if you've just slept on it wrong, slipped it or twisted it...Lightly massaging it (when it isn't too sore to touch) can help loosen it up and ease the pain...Laying in a hot tub of water can help for the pain, but a cold compress can help ease the swelling (but usually makes it hurt more :()...I guess it's kinda your choice on that one

I feel so very bad for you...I know what kind of a bitch this is

*comes from a family with a long history of back problems....and was also a stellar anatomy student (for what that's worth :p)*

My best to you, Anna

[crabapple]

(and make sure to watch some monster movies while wrapped in a blanket sipping hot cocoa. make you feel GOOD! well you probably doing that anyway huh!)

[Spallalala]

Actually, the really fucked up thing is that the drs didn't explain what was going on..They said l2 l3 and that I shouldn't worry. I had to do a little googling to find out some stuff which was worrying me, like my body temp goin from normal to very hot quickly. If they had mentioned that I wouldn't have been freakin out as much.

I do a few toe and foot stretches in bed before I try and get up to help but still hard as fuck.

As for losing weight well thats always been on the agender. Right now from the meds ( I think you guys call it vicadon or something) its making me a lil constipated even with all the fresh fruit and veg, I backed off from the meat to help me out.

As for the stairs well I had to do that as soon as I walk in cos we have a few flights up haha so yeah one step at a time.

For the little lump well I know where that is hehe. Found that lil one today.

I know about the squating thing hehe..I had a back problem when I was younger so I was taught well about that one. Learnt my lesson many times from bending hehe.

Hot choccy sounds good. Got one from starbucks last week which was awesome and tasted like dark choco. Not too milky and not too sickly.

I still maintain I won't be blaiming the horse at all..If it wasn't for the stupid laser skrimish I reckon nothing would have happened....The sound the guns make sound like toy guns so yeah.

Either way. I can walk so no complaints. Just gotta take it easy.

Thanks for the support guys. I knew there was always good folk in horror.

[Roderick Usher]

I'm so glad to hear you're up and moving...even if it is a little zombie-ish.

Hope you can keep your spirits up during the rehab process. Attitude is half the battle.

All of us here are wishing you a speedy and COMPLETE recovery.

[Spallalala]

Yknow what sucks the most when you are injured, is that you feel every other bloody bone and muscle in your body cos they gotta support the bad bits hehe. Right now my right hip is sore ( thats from leaning over the first 2 days i was out ) hurt the top of my back cos I put my bra on when I was told not too haha, then the upper arms cos I keep lifting myself and the calf muscles oh man.

Im still wanting to know what the hell I did wrong to deserve this I mean cmon, this has to be karma getting back at me. Keep sitting ( well laying ) there running through my mind...Perhaps its just a lesson in life to see if I can get past something bad, preparing me for something worse.

Yknow what sucks the most, I got my haircut almos 2 weeks ago, cost me a shitload and to maintain it I gotta do all this shit to it and I can't right now haha. Dammit. Im ment to sit and use about 4 different hair products, blow dry my hair and straighten the fucker. Pfffft! I say right now. Maybe thats it, I spent too much on a haircut and karma hit me back haha.

[Despare]

One step at a time...

"Wiggle your big toe."

Just keep positive, at least you get the chance to push through.

[Spallalala]

Im wiggling im wiggling. :P

[ferretchucker]

Clean thoughts, clean thoughts, clean thoughts.

[scarecrow666]

Glad your OK.Take it easy and take each day at a time.

[ManchestrMorgue]

I have been away for a while and only just saw this thread... Hope you start feeling better soon. Pain and immobility are no fun.

Hope that your recovery is speedy. Crappy that it sounds like you didn't get an awful lot of information about what was wrong when you were in hospital. Hopefully you have a follow up appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon - might be worth preparing some questions to take along with you. It can be very frustrating and scary when you don't know exactly what is going on or what the likely outcomes will be - we tend to think the worst when we are faced with these terrible sorts of situations.

Anyway, hope you are both coping and that things get easier as quickly as possible.