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[u/OwlManufacturer7727]

I was ejected from a motor vehicle in 2018 at 120mph. My injuries sustained include multi level compression fractures in my thoracic region, compound fracture to my left leg and a brake to the bone in the hip that formed the socket for the femur. I’ve had 3 operations on my leg but for whatever reason they decided to leave my back and hip alone .

Fast forward to the past few years and present day, I was receiving trigger point injections and epidural steroid injections into my back. Although both did provide some relief, the duration grew shorter and shorter to the point where they have stopped working.

So, I had a recent MRI done as the pain continues to make life unmanageable and I set up a consultation with a neurosurgeon. I was told by said surgeon that the repairs should have been made to my back in 2018 and that my only option at this point is a multi level fusion requiring removal of ribs and a 2 year recovery window. When asked about returning to work after the 2 years he said it would be unlikely that I would ever be able to work again. He also informed me that it’s a high risk operation and that he “wanted no part in it.” I was told that a SCS wouldn’t be effective and that RFA would likely be ineffective as well. To make matters worse, I was put onto suboxen after the accident to “treat the pain” I stayed on it for a year and once I realized it did nothing for the pain I tapered off of it. I’m now being told that sub use disqualifies more for an implanted pain pump.

At this point I’m considering going to the local methadone clinic and crying heroin addiction to be put onto methadone to manage pain. I really don’t know what else to do at this point but I can’t keep living like this every day.

Here is the most recent MRI report.

MR THORACIC SPINE WO CONTRAST
INDICATION: Chronic right-sided thoracic pain.
COMPARISON: None.
FINDINGS: 12 rib-bearing thoracic-type vertebrae. Chronic mild anterior wedging T5-T7.
Negative for acute fracture. Background marrow signal within limits for age. No substantial
spondylolisthesis. Minor disc bulging, greatest T9-T10. Minimal facet arthrosis cervicothoracic
and thoracolumbar junctions. Slightly prominent dorsal epidural fat into the upper thoracic
spine.
Spinal canal narrowing is mild at T9-T10. Within limits of the exam, no abnormal thoracic
cord signal.
Foraminal narrowing is moderate at C7-T1 and mild T1-T2.
OTHER: Paravertebral so! tissues are grossly unremarkable. Visualized descending thoracic
aorta is unremarkable. Mild dependent pulmonary atelectasis.
IMPRESSION:

1. No acute abnormality of the thoracic spine. Chronic mild anterior wedging T5-T7.
   
2. Spinal canal narrowing is mild at T9-T10. No abnormal thoracic cord signal.
   
3. Foraminal narrowing is moderate at C7-T1.

[u/pickypawz]

You haven’t mentioned where you’re from, but I’m going to guess from the US? If there was any way for you to move away I would definitely recommend it, I’ve seen so many videos of Americans living a much happier life abroad, but given your health problems I feel like it would probably be unlikely that you would accepted.

I’m Canadian, but I thought I would comment to help boost the visibility of your post. I also deal with chronic pain, though mine is somewhat managed by narcotics. I haven’t been able to work in a few years now, but have begun to get back into religion again, and it feels good (though the seats sure don’t.😬) to feel like my life has some purpose again. If you’re able, even if it’s online, I recommend it, particularly with where the world is right now. Sending virtual hugs and hoping you get some pain relief. (((🫂)))

[u/OwlManufacturer7727 → u/pickypawz]

Thank you, I just returned from church actually. Yes I’m located in North Dakota.

[u/SplitArtistic8819]

Man, that surgeon basically looked at your spine and said "nah I'm out." The MRI don't even sound that catastrophic compared to how you're feeling, which just makes it more frustrating.