Well it happened about a year ago. Was 19 years old, just out at an ice fishing jamboree with my boyfriend. Lets just say we didn't make it home. In the accident I ended up shattering my spine. I have had three back surgury's, and my fourth is on the 17th for removal of the rods and screws in my back. I am very nervous. I was wondering if anyone else out there with back problems is as young as me?

Dearest Amy....welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I am so very sorry to hear what you have gone through at such a very young age. It is not fair a person of your age should have to go through this suffering, but there is a reason for everything. The only thing I can help you with is to show you a few tips I have given to others on the HB here that may help make your life a little easier. Do a search on the word TIP and the tips I have posted should come up. You may find them quite useful in your life and they might even give you a moment of (less pain)....or at least a moment of feeling 'useful', which in turn...lessens our pain.

Because you are so young, I am going to suggest you start researching the Alternative Medical Arts. Things like acupuncture/acupressure, energy work (like Reiki or Bio-Energy or something like that), there is cranio-sacral therapy which might be beneficial for you. Here is a little 'blurb' on cranio-sacral therapy:

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, light-touch method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system
- the physiological body system comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CST enhances the body's natural healing processes to improve the operation of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance health and strengthen resistance to disease. The
method generally requires only five grams of pressure - the equivalent weight of a nickel - to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. Often the evaluation alone will help solve the
presenting complaint.

Anyway...there are a lot of things out there that may be helpful to you...since body work has been done so extensively already on you. I would like you to think on the mind-body-spirit connection...to help you back to wellness. Just look around, do some surfing, go to the library....there is something out there for you to help you in living the rest of your life as best as possible. You have a long way to go, I hope you find something to help you go through it with ease. Good luck to you and May God Bless You.



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successtory
Oct 2000: Repetitive Stress Injury-Inverted Hernia
Feb 2001: MRI. Shows only slight bulge at L4-L5
Dec 2001: Discogram/CT scan shows Inverted Hernia at L5-S1. L4-L5 & L5-S1 ruptured in all 4 quadrants. Unable to walk.
Feb 2002: IDET, Nucleoplasty, Intra-Discal Injections
Sept 2002: Rated in the top 10% for successful patients. Retraining for new career.

Hi Amy,
Just wanted to assure you that there are many people who have back problems so young. Mine actually started at 17, of course we are different in many ways occansionaly but just having back problems makes us all a family on this board.
I feel your pain and fear. I am 27 and terrified of the future. You just have to remember to stay positive and keep you chin up, there will be better days!
This is a very comforting board and we all help each other out, just so you don't feel alone and somewhat nuts. (people do tend to think we make our situations worse than they are but of course they don't understand)
So, I wanted to welcome you and send you good wishes!
God Bless and good luck on your surgery!
Christina


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27 years old:Complete thoracic fusion (13 levels)at age 17 due to scoliosis: Now, suffer from DDD in lumbar and sacroilliac joints, torn and ruptured discs, facet joint problems and arthritis of course.

Hi Amy

I was 19 too when I had my fist surgery for a ruptured disc. I went though a lot of emotions because I did not think it was fair. But through the years I have managed to have fun and enjoyment. Remember you had major surgery, more then most at any age. Your back will start feeling better, and then you can start focusing on the future again.
You sound like a strong person and this will help push through the hard time.

Nico