I am right there with you Brother!:x
Some of my Brothers here on B.O.B. are familiar with my situation. Hence, my recent absences from the forums.
I have been through two surgeries already this year and I am slated for a third in January. Eight years ago, while on duty for a "Major Federal Law Enforcement Agency"
, in full uniform with my rack and rear lights flashing on my transport vehicle, I was run over by an elderly woman who essentially fled the scene and left me for dead. Thus began my eight year struggle with the Federal Government and the U.S. Dept. of Labor's "Office of Workman's Compensation Programs" (OWCP).
I suffered damage to my neck C4-C7 and my lower back L4, L5, S1. I have had fusions and hardware installed in both my neck and lower back. In addition to that, I also suffered a double hernia (Ventral & Umbilical) as well as a torn abdominal muscle due to the weakened condition of my back.
I have been doing physical therapy on and off for the last eight years while Workman's Comp jerked me and my case around. I began physical therapy again after my lower back surgery in July of this year. I have completed approximately thirty sessions thus far and I am still slated for another fifteen currently.
My Spinal Surgeon just informed me that one of the screws in my lower back has "snapped off at the screw head" and it will need to be removed and replaced. I am trying to be very careful due to the current situation. If I break the screw opposite the broken one, I can cause further damage that will require a more extensive surgery to replace all of the hardware! :affraid:
As far as the pain goes, I am in constant pain. The Spinal Surgeon believes the nerve damage will be permanent in my left leg. I currently walk with a pronounced limp and slight foot drag. He will be sending me to a "Pain Management Specialist" in a few weeks.
Due to the nature of my employment, the Government has notified me that I was just put on a "Opiate Tracking Program" to monitor how many opiates I have received thus far in addition to my state health department's monitoring program. I haven't taken any opiates since the surgery in July. Not a huge fan of how they make me feel and I only take them after surgeries for the shortest possible duration.
I am currently on Neurontin aka Gabapentin for nerve spasms / pain at night. At night, I have excruciating pain right before bedtime. Sleeping has been a problem for several years before the surgeries. Now, it has become progressively worse. The Neurontin does help and allows me to get a "decent" sleep (4-6 hours).
The last couple of years have been very rough for me. I am coming to the realization that my thirty year Law Enforcement Career will most likely, be coming to an end. These injuries stopped me from being an Instructor with my agency. I loved teaching "hand to hand techniques" and "Officer Survival" as well as working on the Firearms Range and later, becoming the Supervisor / Acting Chief of both units that provided the training. I have, frankly, become quite bitter over the entire situation despite being told that "I will be better off in the end" once I retire. I wanted to go out on my own terms, but I know deep down, that I will never be physically able to do what I used to do and I'm not getting any younger.
When I say "I feel your pain", I truly mean it!
I hope you find the right solution for your situation and be sure to follow your Doctor's instructions "to the letter." I wish you improved health and much success with your treatment plan. Make sure to speak to several Spinal Surgeons before you pick the one that will be right for you.
Feel better and keep your pipe lit!!! - Sean aka "DoverPipes"
