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Spinal L1 compression fracture - when should I be seeing a specialist?

Posted , 2 users are following.

EllieJ25
EllieJ25

4 weeks ago today I had a fall and fractured my L1 vertebrae.

Was admitted to A&E, had x-rays, MRI, and confirmed the fracture was stable. 

Upon my discharge I was referred to a spine specialist and the consultant said he'd like me to be seen there within 6-8 weeks.

I have enquired about the waiting list at the spinal specialist and they said I could be waiting up to 18 weeks for an appointment. 

So my question is, is it safe to have my fracture unmonitored for that length of time? I am currently at home, with limited mobility due to pain, wearing a back brace when standing or sitting. 

Any help would be much appreciated! 

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Carolineq8
    Carolineq8 EllieJ25

    Posted

    My mams partner done the same a few months back, he fell and fractured his l1 vertebrae, he was put on amatrypoline (spelling?) and was told 8 weeks, he was in a terrible state but through self care he is now mobile and almost pain free, it took him about 8-10 weeks, it's a slow process but worth it if you can avoid any surgery.

     avoid surgery unless it's absolutely necessary.

    Try ice/heat packs 20 mins every hour, hot baths and don't over do it even when you do feel better, prevention is better than cure.

    Also try and keep a little mobile when you can as this will help you better than sitting or lying down for long periods, good luck I wish you a speedy recovery😊

    • EllieJ25
      EllieJ25 Carolineq8

      Posted

      Thanks for your response Caroline! I appreciate you shedding some light on a similar situation, it certainly has lifted my spirits!

      I just had one question - was your mums partner advised to try and be a little mobile even if experiencing pain? I'm trying to switch it up and have periods of lying down and periods of standing/walking/sitting, but I dont know when to push through the pain and continue being a little mobile, and when to be fully resting when I have pain?

      Im trying to avoid taking painkillers too much as I don't want to mask the pain too badly, I want to try and keep on top of how well my fracture is doing without the pain releif! 

      Thanks for your help

    • Carolineq8
      Carolineq8 EllieJ25

      Posted

      I know my Mam was worried because he was laid up quite a lot for the first few weeks and he didn't look well at all but as the weeks passed he was more mobile just moving around the house from room to room and resting in between, dont over do it at first but maybe every hour get up and move around and try and sit for a few minutes then build it up, don't try and break through the pain at this point. You know your body if it dosnt feel right don't do it, don't forget the ice packs they really do help a lot, you can get blue gel bags from Lidl that don't freeze solid I find these work really well😊

  • Carolineq8
    Carolineq8 EllieJ25

    Posted

    Can I just ask was your back brace recommended by your doc? 
    • EllieJ25
      EllieJ25 Carolineq8

      Posted

      The back brace was recommended by the consultant at the spinal specialist when I was discharged from the hospital. I have to be wearing it whenever I am standing or sitting. Did your mums partner have one?
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