Fractured Vertebrae

[Hiroshi2]

Today my dad was at work and fell (I assume from some kind of ladder or something, since it's so common in steel mills). He was taken to the hospital with a broken left wrist and a fractured vertebrae. I can't talk to the doctors, so I'm just curious. Just how serious is a fractured vertebrae? Could this mean paralyzation (most people have told me he could still walk)?

[Banana]

Just because it's a fractured vertebrae doesn't mean that there is damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is what's key.

If just the bone is damaged and the spine is ok, he should be good. Well, not "good" but you get the idea.

Good luck.

[eos]

isn't the vertabrae what covers the spinal cord?

and why can't you talk to the doctors?

[returntosender]

Cool. Your dad should ask for cybernetic replacements. He'd be a frickin' cyborg.

[Faithless]

What is it with old people and falling?

My pops fell off a ladder and cracked a rib. The doc said that all he could do is tell the man to get some rest and not do anything strenuous for a while.

But a fractured vertabrae sounds like traction or something's going to be needed. :frown: Tell your pops to hang in there. :smile:

[bluemonq]

A fractured vertebrae isn't that uncommon, actually. A back brace will almost certainly be necessary to limit movement in the region. Surgery might be needed for more serious cases. But since (I assume) you haven't gotten and OMG calls from family, paralysis is not too big an issue.

[Hiroshi2]

He has a back brace now. Walking is still pretty hard for him, although he's making progress. He's still in a lot of pain.


Those first couple of days were rough though. He couldn't even take a piss or take a shower by himself. That's when it started to hit me, my parents are getting old.

[kimpossible]

He may be in pain but I think it's good that he's walking. Don't let him push himself too hard at home. Hope your mom's doing okay through this too. She must be stressed.

[Hiroshi2]

Yes she is.


The problem is, with my pops being a fix it man, he can't sit still. He's still trying to fix the TV, fix shit in the car, etc. But he ain't doing nothing but hurting himself and wearing himself out.


It's a complete workout just for him to walk to the toilet and back. For him and for me. I'm the only one who can help him walk since I"m the only one strong enough to support his weight when he walks (he weighs nearly 300 lbs).


But then again, I'd probably get bored easily if I was confined to a bed like he is, too.