Question
I was in an automobile accident that resulted in having T3 and T4 vertebra
crushed. I underwent a 7.5 hr surgery to replace them with an implant and
fuse them to the fusion of 1&2 and 5&6 creating a T1 - T6 fusion. All of
this was done due to the fact that I had a hematoma that formed around the
spinal cord in the T3 T4 area resulting in paralysis/numbness from the
solarplexus down to the bottom of the feet.

Once surgery was done, the surgeons incorrectly failed to provide any
antibiotics for the first 4 days. I had a rampant life-threatening infection
that needed to be cleansed with a washout surgery 10 days later.

My back is healing up but no it's been nearly 2 months since the washout
surgery and my 'real' symptoms have not changed. I still cannot walk and my
body is still numb/paralyzed from the solarplexus down to my feet.

My surgeon now - after all my pain and suffering - says that I MAY never
regain feeling in my body. I have been told that there is no nerve damage
per se, just that there was a 'compression' around the spinal cord.

My feet/legs feel like they would feel when you cross you legs and they fall
asleep.

Does anyone know if this will every change? All the 'medical' pros just say
they do not know. I don't feel like my doctors have that much experience.
All of them are in their 30's ensuring that they can only have about 5 years
experience if that...

Any help?


Answer
Hi Richard-
I'll try to give you some useful info about your question, but feel free to write again if any of it is unclear, ok?

The bad news about the spinal cord is that any injury- from a bruise or compression, all the way to severing it completely -can result in the same end. Hence it may well be that your condition is caused by such a compression.  Which would likely mean it will persist.

This being said, it's always good to have another opinion, especially if you don't feel your doctors are familiar with your situation.  If you're near a large metropolitan area, try looking at their neurologists/neurosurgeons and pick one who looks like they've been around long enough to see alot of cases- age doesn't count for everything but it often gives perspective.  Some doctors try to walk that fine line between hopeful and realistic- ie, I had a neuro after the wreck who said 'I never say never' when I asked if I'd walk again, then proceeded to say he'd not seen anyone with my injuries walk.. If you feel this is an issue, try just asking them to be as straight ahead as possible.

I hope for your sake that there is further treatment available, but I am afraid there is a real possibility that your loss of sensation/movement might be permanent. I am, however, not a doctor and haven't even seen you, so get another opinion and see what you can find out

in the meantime I will cross my fingers for you-
good luck
leslie