SCARED car accident 8 months post op ACDF
 

HI.I had 2 level ACDF on 12/9/2010. I was stopped waiting to make a turn when a Ford Explorer barreled into me (Nissan Altima) at 30 mph. I am so scared that there is now additional damage to my neck and or my fusion or plate and screws shifted. Spoke to OSS and since I am not having radiating pain down my arm or tingling in my fingers I am waiting to go to their office on Tuesday instead of emergency room. They can do x rays and MRI's in office. The muscle aches and spasms are killing me. Taking anti inflammatory and using TENS unit but afraid to take real meds and mask any pain that it occurring.Anyone else get into an accident and fine after being rear ended. I need some words of wisdoms and good thoughts. Thanks

oh no...
 

I read this and my heart stopped for you. That is my biggest fear is getting into an accident after my fusion. I'm a wreck driving in the passenger seat.

I agree, go to the ER and get some test done to make sure everything is ok.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.... TOU.
Cathie

I agree with both Cathy and dubious. you need to document any damage as soon as possible. the other side will try to argue that everything is pre-existing since you had surgery only 10 months ago. also, find yourself a good car accident attorney who can help you through this. once you hire this attorney all communications from the other side have to go the Atty first. this was extremely valuable to me as I was in so much pain and couldn't deal with the stress of talking to the other side.

I was the front car in a 4 car collision 8 years ago. I refused treatment at the scene and reluctantly dragged myself to an MD about 6 weeks after the accident when things were not improving. this was a big mistake on my part and it came up in the depositions. what I had going for back then is I was heathly and hadn't seen a doctor for any reason except annual checkups. I ended up with 2 surgeries from this accident and will have my neck fused within the next year.

I agree also, get things checked out for now, and remember that whiplash effects can even show up awhile after the fact.

Let us know how it goes for you, some Phys therapy for the spams might be a good add on for those spasms, the meds more or less just cover up the pain.

Plate and screws intact :)
 

I am happy to report after coming home from the OSS the hardware is all in place. He took a ton of x rays of my neck and back. The plate and screws are in tact and in place not issues with them. He said that I have a really significant whiplash. Major muscle spasms and some pain issues to deal with. I haven't taken much for the pain as I wanted to "really" feel what was going on. He said that I should wear the soft collar and that should help along with Soma 250 mg for muscle spams and EC naprosyn 500 mg for the pain. They said to find a pharmacy that accepts no fault. My regular pharmacy doesn't so I need to make a few calls. Not really sure how no fault works. Guess I need to. OSS is taking care of all the paperwork for his visits since I have to go through my PIP on my car insurance here in NY. Doesn't seem fair to me. I go back in 2 weeks unless I feel worse then I can go back when ever I want to. They are wonderful. I asked about any herniation or bulging. He said that wouldn't show in an xray and he would wait for an MRI which would show that. I guess I do need to find out about a lawyer. On the accident report the guy who hit me did take responsibility so that part is done. I don't think there is any money. The guy who hit me was unlicensed and his brother who owned the car is licensed and insured. I think they are immigrants who barely make ends meet. Owner works at stop and shop and as a cook at a deli. Guy who hit me works at dunkin donuts. I worked 2 days now (teacher) and the muscle spasms and pain have definitely increased. Glad I was able to sit on the recliner and do nothing for 4 days.
Just want to thank everyone for being concerned. I'm sure I will repost in 2 weeks after the next appointment unless something else comes up.

Regarding insurance, I was in the same situation you are during my car accident. The other side clearly didn't have any money. Thankfully, there was a small policy which only partially covered my bills. Then, my insurance kicked in up to its limit. I learned the lesson the hard way to carry good coverage. What seemed like a small accident turned in to major medical bills (>$100K). Hopefully, you have a decent policy to help cover the bills.

At least the guy admitted he was at fault at the scene. The driver that caused my accident originally wasn't taking the blame until a witness stepped forward and told what he saw. Then the guy fessed up.

Well, I finished my first week of teaching (4 days). The accident was 1 week ago today. It was a long week. Wednesday was definitely the worst. The spasms, burning, and pins and needles were horrible. I am using the TENS unit quite a bit and taking the anti inflammatory 3x a day along with the muscle relaxers and when I am able to pain meds. I try to remain positive. The accident could have been much worse. No cars in front of me and no one else was in the car with me. But most importantly the plate and screws are intact. Thank you all for your good thought. :)

SCARED car accident 8 months post op ACDF C5-6 C 6-7
 

I am still concerned. Muscle spasms not as bad but still there. If I lift anything or do too much they come back and let me know. My ROM has decreased tremendously and there is so much crunching when I turn my neck. OSS said not too worry about the crunching but it goes right through me like nails on a chalkboard.
I go back on Wed. but would love to go back on Monday if they have room for me. I am also going to request an MRI. I want to know what is going on with the soft tissue. Also having some issues with swallowing, feeling like there is a lump in my throat and or narrowing. It could be in my head or just inflammation in general making it feel bad. Who knows. After all I have been through I think I get nervous with everything I feel. I am keeping a journal of how I feel and how it impacts my life. Just in case I need it for a lawyer. Hope everyone is feeling as well as they can. When shopping with a girlfriend as a pick me up. Bought 2 outfits. Helped a bit. Was very tired after shopping. Came home to take a nap.
**************************************** *********
12/9/2010 ACDF C5-6 C6-7 with plate, screws,
BMP & bone fragment filled cages
2/14/2011 trying to go back to work as a teacher
2/17/2011 starting PT
wearing bone stimulator 4 hours a day
DDD, arthritis, herniated disks, pinched nerves
3 months saw a little bit of bone growth (YEAH)
4/15/2011 Home Tens Unit
6 months - end plate growth going well - no more bone stimulator, issues with hands going to vascular and hand surgeons to find out why
8/2011 - may have TOS or RSD still researching
9/2/2011 Rear ended at 30 mph. Significant Whiplash

Dealt with the pain and issues for more than 5 years
tried PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, cervical epidural shots and selective nerve root blocks prior to surgery

Frenchfri -

Have they sent you for physical therapy? It will help get the muscle spasms to settle down. Ever since my car accident in 03, even a small bump causes my neck to tighten up and I get nerve pain and muscle spasms for several weeks up to 2 months. My neck wasn't an issue before that car accident. Now, I know have moderate to severe stenosis at a couple of levels and will need surgery eventually.

You've had surgery. If they do scans and don't see any notable issues, then it's likely that it will just take time to settle down. Physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, etc. should help. Keep with the journal writing. In a few weeks, you can look back in the journal and see how you are slowly improving (or not improving). This will help both yourself and the doctors. Just a word of caution regarding the journal - if you end up having to give a deposition related to the car accident, the other side will ask if you kept any journals. I recently kept a journal for an unrelated issue and the doctor was appreciative that I did as it showed my symptoms are definitely set off by food and I wasn't relying on just my memory. I was denying pain with the symptoms but I'd mentioned pain several times in the journal. So it was a good thing I showed him the journal/chart. :o

Swallowing - it's very likely related to the neck trauma and it either will settle down, too, or it's a signal of something wrong in the neck. When my spasms get really bad, the first place I notice it now is in the jaw, then swallowing, then I notice that the neck is really tight and spasming.

Thanks for the response
 

The OSS stated that I could go back to where I was going for massage and utrasound and stim. I want to wait for the 2 week check and ask for an MRI to make sure nothing has bulged or herniated. I have a TENS unit at home and use it often along with muscle relaxers and some pain meds when needed. I just want everything documented for insurance. I have been taking it very easy. My son is off at college and my husband has been away for work. I am just as happy having an empty house and only worrying about myself. I am a teacher and push myself to go to school especially since the first day of school was the 6th and the accident was on the 2nd. So I have a few days to sit aback on the recliner and do nothing right after the accident. The 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th were definitely the most painful days. When I got home from work it was the recliner for me and no one to worry about or pretend to feel okay. Sleeping, the morning and later in the evening are definitely worse than the middle of the day. I think being at work even if I am taking it easy, is better than being at home all day and just thinking about the situation. Currently I have a follow up appointment with the OSS on Wed. Originally it was Mon but I had to change it because of a meeting that has since been cancelled (figures). So I will call on Mon and see if there is still a late afternoon slot available. If not, Wed it is. Not only is swallowing a small issue but I have laryngitis. It could be from the beginning of the year and talking more than usual or it could be related. Time will tell. Yes, the journal is an asset. When ever I correspond to someone on this site I recommend a journal for symptoms, pain, meds, dr questions and answers so that there is a history to look back on and not rely on memory.



:Wave-Hello:

Getting better slowly
 

Well it has been aboutn 1 1/2 months since being rear ended. I am definitely better than a month ago. Going to PT 2 -3 times a week for about 3 weeks now. My ROM is much better right to left still issues down and back. Last week the PT did way too much and I was suffering horribly for a few days. Pretty sure we figured out which stretch or exercise was the culprit. I also set myself back for a day when I decided to blow dry my hair. I am a teacher and it was picture day - wanted to look my best. Since I am still having spasms, tingling across my shoulders at times and pain in my lower right back I am going to request an MRI. Still keeping the journal. Yes it does help me look back at how bad the pain was and where I am now. Thankful that it is getting better, but bitter that I am not close to where I was prior to the accident. I was blow drying my hair, carrying laundry and groceries without a problem. Had no problem driving for 3 hours to visit friends or go away for the weekend and sleeping through the night. Hopefully it will continue to get better and the MRI if I have one will show nothing. :0

So glad nothing serious happened because of your accident and you are slowly on the mend. Hopefully your MRI will show nothing and you just need to let your muscles heal some more. You were doing really good before that accident, I'm still not driving for 3 hours without a lot of severe pain and numbness.

I go for another EMG on Tuesday to see how bad the nerve is pinched in my arm, they still believe a second surgery (for a double crush) is needed for my arm, but I really don't want it at this point. So I have some decisions to make regarding my career, whether to be retrained in a different area or muddle through pain and tremoring hands to go back to being a designer. Not sure yet. But I've been going for PT 3 x's a week also, and that seems to be helping me. I've seen some improvement in my neck and my ROM, so I'm pleased to see some results.

Hope you continue to feel better each day....
wishing us both some well deserved healing!!
Cathie

Hi
 

Trying to enjoy the beautiful sunny fall day. Put up some Halloween decorations and had a friend buy and drop off some Mums to add color to the front porch. How is your weather. I think the windy conditions are adding some sinus pressure which I don't need.
Not sure what a double crush is? So sorry for the pain that you are having. I understand about not wanting a second surgery. That was a fear of mine after the accident. It must be a very difficult decision to have to make. Glad that going to PT seems to be helping you also.
I agree that we both deserve progress and pain free days with increased ROM.
Have a great day. :)

If I understand the explanation correctly, a double crush is when one nerve is pinched in two separate locations (one being the neck and the second being my elbow in my case). Hopefully I won't need the 2nd surgery since I'm leaning against it unless I absolutely have no choice.

Our weather is cool and crisp but sunny. We also have crazy winds, I seem to get headaches from it too. But better then wet and cold or snow!! Not looking forward to snow and the challenges it brings for us all.

Have a great week ahead. I'll post again when I find out about my EMG results.

:)

FrenchFri - Glad to hear you are slowly improving.

Regarding a double crush, how it was explained to me is to think of a water hose. You get a kink in the hose (say at the neck), it takes less pressure to get a kink (compression) in the hose further down the line (say in the thoracic outlet or elbow). You can even have a triple crush => neck, elbow and wrist. If the nerve is slightly compressed above, it doesn't take as much to compress the nerve further down the line. None of the sites may be compressed enough to show up on EMG or physical testing on a standalone basis.

Cathy - Have they ruled out TOS as a possibility for your ulnar nerve? I've had surgery for it and I wouldn't be able to work today if I hadn't had surgey as I'd lost the use of that hand before surgery. So I know what you're going through regarding considering getting re-trained for another field.

Sheri: Thank you for your explanation, it was much better then the one I received from my neurosurgeon. I did bring up TOS, but it was dismissed without further investigation, he still thinks it's ulnar nerve compression. I will push for more answers next visit. Especially since you said an EMG may not show the compression. I have my EMG tomorrow, and don't have a followup with my neuro until Nov. 16th, so I will not get much info until then. Maybe the neurologist will be more helpful tomorrow, but I've seen this one before and he's not that great at talking to his patients, he's brief and abrupt, and being in Ontario (we have gov't controlled health care) I don't get a choice who does the testing. Ugh. I'm hoping I will get some answers though, I really don't want more surgery.

My physiotherapist has been working with me to resolve some of my issues, it's helped a bit, not great strides, but little ones are okay too. PT discussed TOS with me, and explained that it's hard to diagnose and usually used as a last resort diagnosis. Again, ugh.

Thanks for your insight, it's appreciated, especially knowing you're doing better now with it. I've been thinking non-stop about what field I would be retrained for if I don't regain use of my right hand soon.

Take care,
Cathie

COncerned but parts of me are getting better
 

Not sure why it would take less pressure to get a kink farther down on a hose once it was kinked up above. Wouldn;t the pressure of water be less forceful and then go through at a slower rate? I'm confused but it is late int he day. I have not been told that I have a double crush but better to understand it n ow in case the term is ever given to me.
The vascular surgeon and the hand surgeon feel that I have TOS. I am not sure but the PT tends to agree with them.
I had an ACDF C5-6 C6-7 on 12/9/2010. I feel it was a success. In March I started having some color changes and swelling in my hands. I was going for some testing and consults with hand specialist and vascular surgeon then I was rear-ended on 9/2/2011. The symptoms in my hand are more frequent now: color changes, swelling, same pain and discomfort in hand, fingers and wrist. The whiplash, neck and lower back pain and spasms have gotten better but still a daily reminder. I have been going to PT for 3-4 weeks and they work on the cervical, mid and lower back. Also have a few toes on my left foot that go numb. Gotta love new symptoms.

Sheri: what surgery did you have for TOS. (I don't have an extra cervical rib) The Addson's test was positive on both the right and left but the left was more significant. I am concerned about the new symptoms.

Cathie: I hope that you get some relief and answers to your questions.

I had my 1st rib removed.

A lot of people are positive for several of the maneuvers.

Double crush - Yes, less water is getting through the hose but I think it has to do more with 1 + 1 = 3 rather than 1 + 1 = 2. The nerve may be compressed less than 50% at the neck (or thoracic outlet), and less than 50% at the elbow. Neither one is severe enough to register on their own (say you need 50%) but when you combine the two, you do exceed 50% so you have nerve compression symptoms but it doesn't show up on EMG. I don't fully understand it but I know that I occassionally test positive on EMGs for carpal tunnel but I have no carpal tunnel symptoms. They always describe it as "atypical" because the typical muscles are not involved. I think these "carpal tunnel" findings is a double crush - once at the neck at C5/6 and then slightly at the wrist.

Tos ?
 

I am going to PT today and will "pick" his brain about TOS. I am concerned that these symptoms surfaced 4-5 months after ACDF surgery and became worse after the car accident 5 months later. So at 10 months post op from ACDF I am still better than prior to the surgery since I was in horrific pain with no neck mobility and not using my left arm. But I was in such good shape and starting to feel as if I had my life back just prior to accident. The OSS wants to give PT 3 more weeks and see where I am and how I am doing. I would like a new MRI of neck, thoracic region and lower back (a few toes go numb) with lower back pain). He said that whiplash can take 3-5 months to work its way out and for me to feel better. It is just shy of 2 months. I guess I am not a patient person. I am going back to the vascular surgeon to talk to him. If you have any questions that I should ask him or tests I should request I would appreciate it. He did a doppler test of the blood flow with cuffs on prior to the accident and said that there was good blow flow. Not quite sure if I agree as my hands did swell and turn bluish when above my head.

Thanks for your response :)