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

If you were truly hit by a vehicle with a closing velocity of 30 mph that weighs 1/3 more than yours, my opinion would be to quit screwing around and go to the ER/urgent care and get at least cervical x-rays done to make sure there are no obvious signs of trauma i.e. broken screws, avulsion/uncinate/zygoapophyseal fractures, ligamentous instability.

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.

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.