A broken neck...serious injuries are learning experiences
By beeeckie
@beeeckie (802)
United States
October 26, 2010 8:01pm CST
I have a broken neck.
It is a little over five weeks into healing. I don't want to get into much detail about how I broke my neck -- it was a car accident which was my fault. No one else was involved or hurt (thank god).
Has anyone here ever fractured their neck, or know anyone who has?
I can't even begin to explain how lucky I am -- I fractured C2-C4, cervical vertebrae, and while I also got a big case of whiplash and torn ligaments, there was *no* spinal cord or blood vessel injury. No quadriplegia, no trouble walking, moving, typing, writing, nothing. It makes me want to cry when I think about what could have easily happened in a millisecond. The only permanent damage so far seems to be the back right of my head (scalp), the skin has no feeling whatsoever. It's to be determined how permanent that is, but a desensitized scalp seems a small price to pay.
From this experience, the injury alone, along with some other recent trying events, I'm learning a lot of self-discipline and patience I was sorely lacking before. Part of that I credit to the neck brace I have to wear 24/7 until I'm told it's okay to go without it. It's forced me to slow down and think about many things before I act upon them, as well as encourages me to plan things out ahead of time. I hope I am a better person as a result of this ordeal.
Since the most common result of a broken neck is paralysis or death, I know I am lucky beyond all reason, and I'm not going to waste it.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@donnaphipps (145)
• United States
27 Oct 10
well maybe you need to go see anoher doctor. my mom was in a car accident 3 years ago. she also fractured c2 and c4. a lot of people said there was no spinal cord injury. well, id like to tell you what i had a doctor of 50 years of schooling said and what we found out. Whe you fracture c2 and c4... you absolutely have injury to your spinal cord. my mom had to have neck surgery and they want to have it again. physical therapy and all kinds of junk. he is still out of work and july was 3 years. i dont mean to break your heart.. but c2 and c4 has been told to be seriou injurie. just be glad you didnt fracture c7 bc that would have paralized you.
1 person likes this
@beeeckie (802)
• United States
31 Oct 10
There is no injury to my spinal cord. With respect to your mother's doctor (and I hope your mother is doing alright, too) I was at one of best hospitals in Boston for spinal trauma, and after extensive tests (and watching and waiting) they determined there was no blood vessel or spinal cord trauma. There is plenty of damaged tissue with muscles and ligaments, though. I didn't get away without those severe whiplash injuries. It is simply the placement of the fractures, that's why I'm so lucky. Broken necks are very much a case-by-case basis, and should be treated accordingly.
As far as I know, *any* broken vertebra can lead to paralysis, so I am being cautious in my actions, trying not to move too fast until I get the all-clear.
@beeeckie (802)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I still hope your mother is doing alright as can be...I stick to what I said above about no spinal cord injury, however it turned out I had to have surgery due to the severity of the muscle and ligament tears. The vertebrae were slipping forward because nothing but the collar was holding them in place, and so this past week I had surgery to graft the bones together and put in titanium rods. It was that or wear a brace forever...as it is I have to wear a new brace for at least another ten weeks to let the graft solidify with the help of the rods.
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
27 Oct 10
Wow Beckie,
Sorry to hear about your past accident, but my goodness, I'm glad you are very thankful for your wonderful, huge luck on staying safe from paralysis.
I have a dear, dear friend, who so many years ago, had a C3-C4, and ever since has been a full quadriplegic. He is amazing and positive in life, but it tooka long time, adn I still forever wish I could change his permanent paralysis.
Count those lucky stars, and yes, learn from your mistakes.
Thanks for sharing with us.
1 person likes this
@chhetp1 (467)
• India
27 Oct 10
It is of great importance to have positive thinking all the time, Although it is very hard to maintain the right attitude during such a trying times. I have seen miracles happening, Your situation showed another miracle.
I think the best part is that you are ready to fight the time it takes to heal your neck. Accidents are part of life, however, millions of others normally would be dejected after accidents and will start feeling miserably.
Every incident has opportunity for one. So, keep the same faith and things will become normal. You will come out more wiser and mature after such event.
