Fractured vertebrae how was your recovery?

You're right Frankiecob, the early days can be filled with depression and the only thing that makes it any easier is the passage of time, and being patient .
Sorry to hear you might need to give up. I couldn't imagine a life without horses in it :(
 
I was bucked of my 16.3hh mare, I went about 10ft in the air and landed on my bum, the same position if you sat on the floor with your legs out. I knew straight away it was bad by the sound it made when I hit the deck. Yeah still in the frame, but the worry has come from my last consultation when the dr said my spine had further collapse from not wearing my brace all the time, but when I was discharged I was told only to wear it while walking. Im in the brace full time fingers crossed its not the mend :)
 
I was in for 3 nights got out on NYE!! ive been down to the yard 2 twice since it all happened which was nice but it was stressfull cause my horse has been to the vets to find out why she bucked me off, she has got a mild form of kissing spine and is having her operation today, its only key hole surgery stood up under a local anthesic which is a much better procedure than in past years. The Dr has said it should heal its self with the brace and bed rest, I can potter around the house like an old dear easily so fingers crossed its knitting its self back together. Im dping a lot of work from home so that is keeping me busy which is helping loads. I still need to download netfilx tho I have heard so much good stuff about it but Im normally busy with the horses so have never bothered b4 lol.
 
I burst L1 September 2012. I'm still not recovered and doubt I ever will be. I was back on in Jan 2013 and rode maybe 10 times. It hurt and I really struggled gettting off :( In the end reality bit and I stopped. I havent really ridden since until last Saturday. I joined in a riding school lesson, very basic stuff and then couldnt walk on Sunday morning due to my back pain.

I'm giving serious thought to selling up and not riding again. I'm damaged, its hurts and I dont think any of it is worth another injury which might see me paralysed :( But then again, what do you do when your entire life is horses?

All I will say is the difference between 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months are unbelievable, so give it time

That's what I am scared of it been such a long time and not been able to ride again,
 
I broke my back brace six months hardest thing was i couldnt feel my legs. I didnt know if i could walk again let alone ride and if i couldnt walk i felt my life was over. Im now walking and riding but not on the nutters i used to get on im very carefull or gutless i dont care. Its very hard good luck on your recovery. And take it slowly.
 
I still wish I was made of rubber and magic like when I was younger!!! thanks for the replies everyone, I think I have managed to get back to everyone I have replied but I didn't use the reply with quote, still getting used it this forum. I went and saw my mare on sunday b4 she went to the vets and I was really scared of her even tho she was in her stable. did this happen to any of you?
 
Yes im afraid it did i lost my bottle alot and still havent got it back how i used to but age is against me as well. I do not bounce and when i fall off it bloody hurts now
 
I still wish I was made of rubber and magic like when I was younger!!! thanks for the replies everyone, I think I have managed to get back to everyone I have replied but I didn't use the reply with quote, still getting used it this forum. I went and saw my mare on sunday b4 she went to the vets and I was really scared of her even tho she was in her stable. did this happen to any of you?

Yes, much more nervous - not so much around the horse (though when you are fragile on your feet you realise how big they are and how easily they can knock you over!), but definitely much more worried about falling off. I almost WANT to fall off just so I know I'm not going to always end up in hospital as the last two falls have resulted in broken things. Still, it does wonders for your sticky bum.

Good luck. Hope your mare recovers well.
 
That's what I am scared of it been such a long time and not been able to ride again,

I've down graded to a ploddy cob of my own now, and I'm not happpy about it. I love Frankie, but I'm frustrated at his ploddiness, which is the very thing I bought him for! I cant manage an hours riding school riding lesson, so hes def the right sort of horse for me. Sadly in my head I'm still poncing around on a sportier model, and I'm having to have a serious think about whether I want to keep this up, if I am only ever a barely competent rider who can happy hack and 20mins plod in a school. I find it so frustrating that I know what I should be doing, and how to do it but my bodys just not capable anymore.

I'm hanging on until I've had another MRI scan before I decide one way or another. If it turns out I need more surgery then I am going to sell up, for now at least. I really thought 18 months in, and just over a year since the brace came off, that I would be better, and its a real kick in the teeth to actually be getting worse!
 
I still wish I was made of rubber and magic like when I was younger!!! thanks for the replies everyone, I think I have managed to get back to everyone I have replied but I didn't use the reply with quote, still getting used it this forum. I went and saw my mare on sunday b4 she went to the vets and I was really scared of her even tho she was in her stable. did this happen to any of you?

I think when you suffer such a life changing injury, whether permanent or not, it alters your outlook. For me, even on the ground, I'm wary because I know I can't step quickly out of the way if I needed to. Even if horse was just innocently moving to look and see what was going on down the other end of the yard.
You are bound to be a little nervous given that you are incapacitated, don't beat yourself up though. Easy for me to say, I know. You'll have to make sure when you do ride you protect your injury site as much as possible and just take it slowly. Bet when you're back in the saddle you'll be relieved, you won't forget how to ride, you might just have a few pains. Us riders are as tough as old boots, one thing I've found on this forum is the strength riders have. Keep on with your brace, and wandering round the house like a granny, stay strong, you'll get there.
 
Hi
I've not broken anything but in August Last year I fell off my mountain bike in France and dissected my carotid artery In My neck. This caused a blood clot and stopped all blood going to the right side of my brain- in effect I had a stroke ( at age 33)!!
I was left with left side paralysis, 10 days in intensive care in Grenoble ( where Schumacher is!) and nearly died!
I then flew Home and spent 10 weeks in hospital with daily physio. They got my leg working and I slowly am learning to walk. My left arm and hand however are still paralyzed and do nothing.
I then transferred to a rehab centre where I have been for 3 months - 2 more weeks and I am out. I can just about walk but it's not pretty and I can't do it unaided. I am in hospital having physio most days but my god it's boring filling in the hours! My poor horse has had nearly 6 months doing nothing. I'm hoping to get a friend on first then I can hopefully get on. Hard with one arm and one leg!!
Am determined though. I have been going to rda in Morpeth but going round in circles in walk & trot is not my idea of riding!! So fingers crossed my arm and hand start to work soon and I can jump on and ride my lovely horse.
I feel your pain though- it's bloody boring & you will have far too much time to think ( this is when I get upset and scared I'll never get back to normal again)
But although I am left side paralyzed I plan to drive, ride, run et etc. it will take time but I will hopefully get there one day and when I do I am booking the most amazing holiday!
Hope you are all ok xxxxx
 
Hi
I've not broken anything but in August Last year I fell off my mountain bike in France and dissected my carotid artery In My neck. This caused a blood clot and stopped all blood going to the right side of my brain- in effect I had a stroke ( at age 33)!!
I was left with left side paralysis, 10 days in intensive care in Grenoble ( where Schumacher is!) and nearly died!
I then flew Home and spent 10 weeks in hospital with daily physio. They got my leg working and I slowly am learning to walk. My left arm and hand however are still paralyzed and do nothing.
I then transferred to a rehab centre where I have been for 3 months - 2 more weeks and I am out. I can just about walk but it's not pretty and I can't do it unaided. I am in hospital having physio most days but my god it's boring filling in the hours! My poor horse has had nearly 6 months doing nothing. I'm hoping to get a friend on first then I can hopefully get on. Hard with one arm and one leg!!
Am determined though. I have been going to rda in Morpeth but going round in circles in walk & trot is not my idea of riding!! So fingers crossed my arm and hand start to work soon and I can jump on and ride my lovely horse.
I feel your pain though- it's bloody boring & you will have far too much time to think ( this is when I get upset and scared I'll never get back to normal again)
But although I am left side paralyzed I plan to drive, ride, run et etc. it will take time but I will hopefully get there one day and when I do I am booking the most amazing holiday!
Hope you are all ok xxxxx

Horrid experience, but you sound amazingly positive! Virtual hugs sent! xxx
 
Thanks to everyone that replied to my 'stupid question'

Had an xray on it last week after going to docs............waiting for results. nail biting times!

Thanks for the advise.
 
Hi
I've not broken anything but in August Last year I fell off my mountain bike in France and dissected my carotid artery In My neck. This caused a blood clot and stopped all blood going to the right side of my brain- in effect I had a stroke ( at age 33)!!
I was left with left side paralysis, 10 days in intensive care in Grenoble ( where Schumacher is!) and nearly died!
I then flew Home and spent 10 weeks in hospital with daily physio. They got my leg working and I slowly am learning to walk. My left arm and hand however are still paralyzed and do nothing.
I then transferred to a rehab centre where I have been for 3 months - 2 more weeks and I am out. I can just about walk but it's not pretty and I can't do it unaided. I am in hospital having physio most days but my god it's boring filling in the hours! My poor horse has had nearly 6 months doing nothing. I'm hoping to get a friend on first then I can hopefully get on. Hard with one arm and one leg!!
Am determined though. I have been going to rda in Morpeth but going round in circles in walk & trot is not my idea of riding!! So fingers crossed my arm and hand start to work soon and I can jump on and ride my lovely horse.
I feel your pain though- it's bloody boring & you will have far too much time to think ( this is when I get upset and scared I'll never get back to normal again)
But although I am left side paralyzed I plan to drive, ride, run et etc. it will take time but I will hopefully get there one day and when I do I am booking the most amazing holiday!
Hope you are all ok xxxxx

Keep at it and you will be back jumping before you know it and keep been strong and you will soon be fixed!!! I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you get an AMAZING holiday booked you deserver it
 
Hi, im 3 weeks in to fracturing my L3 vertebrae.I just seen the consultant and my vertebrae has continued to collapse since been discharged from hospital even tho I listened to all the nurses advice, but the consultant has just given me different advice I'm really down about it all now, I've not been to see my horse in 3 weeks, I have listened at all the advice and his has been wrong and I think it's going to have an effect on my recovery time. Just wondering if any of you guys have had the same experience and what advice you were given and how you handled been house bound and not aloud down the yard. Thanks
I know where your coming from, my parents RTA in october and mum fractured vertebrae dad fractured sternum. Both lay flat for many weeks then just before xmas was told to where a brace, she started sitting up0 etc. A few weeks later /6 weeks was told to remove her brace. She has since found out she was told to take the brace off too soon

She is in back pain even now, I went to hospital after landing on concrete in Nov for fractured humerus. I too was told different things by different surgeons. Its now nearly 3 months and only now they decide if not healed in 3 weeks I have to have it plated.

You can't trust anyone these days, the surgeons/dr's should e on the same page. Its so frustrating when you are led to trust these people.



video below
 
Last edited:
I was bucked of my 16.3hh mare, I went about 10ft in the air and landed on my bum, the same position if you sat on the floor with your legs out. I knew straight away it was bad by the sound it made when I hit the deck. Yeah still in the frame, but the worry has come from my last consultation when the dr said my spine had further collapse from not wearing my brace all the time, but when I was discharged I was told only to wear it while walking. Im in the brace full time fingers crossed its not the mend :)

this was my accident
for those not seen it 16th nov 2012
[youtube]0POhlNNzVOg[/youtube]

result

022_zpse6105cc5.jpg


your not alone OP healing vibes sent

I will need surgery in 3 weeks if not healed to plate it :(
 
this was my accident
for those not seen it 16th nov 2012
[youtube]0POhlNNzVOg[/youtube]

result

022_zpse6105cc5.jpg


your not alone OP healing vibes sent

I will need surgery in 3 weeks if not healed to plate it :(

O ***** - that thud on landing is so familiar..... Nasty fracture by the look of the xray too!
On another selfish note, I'm doing well and managed to run a couple of yards up the steep hill on the yard to our car today :) - was a limpy run, but still did it! The main thing I am working on is strengthening the damaged muscles now. I'm having more x rays a week tomorrow...... Am nearly ready to order a new pair of full length chaps for riding.
 
Just thought I'd update from my moaning the other day! I rode again this week. I'm still crap but no pain this time :) Well everything aches muscle wise but no injury pain. I think I just over did it last week and my body went into shock! I'm now feeling much more positive about taking the fat pony cob hunting next winter and being able to do some dressage and lots of hacking. That will be enough for me I think :)
 
I wanted to share that I've been back in the saddle for 2 weeks following a c6-c7 facet joint fracture. What surprised me the most is how the nerves weren't a conscious thing but a feeling I genuinely didn't control or understand, the first time I've had actual nerves just getting on. I've given myself a strict talking to and I'm making myself push through it as I desperately don't want them to win. I've done 5 rides (all fairly small) and I haven't been back in the school since my accident, but the nerves are getting better slowly. It doesn't help with the weather and light that I can only really ride now at the weekend as I just can't face the school yet.

It does help knowing I have my air-jacket there as a back up, even though my fall was the first on him in over 3 years.

I'm not sure if my update helps, but hopefully it does!
 
Top