Hi

in answer to your questions:

I haven't seen the x-rays but the consultant said that the fracture was across the larger part of the vertebre with the top part having moved about 2mm. It was incurred due to me falling back onto my reserve parachute (which was still packed inside my container - the reserve sits in the top part of the rig so it caused a sort of shelf for me to jar against). The force of this hitting my back produced a pretty clean fracture. It's not a compression fracture and there are no other neurological implications, plus my spinal cord has been unaffected.

The consultant had me stand and walk to the toilet the same day. I have an appointment with the fracture clinic next Tuesday and at the moment I'm only taking pain relief at bed time (I was only prescribed paracetemol and codene but I don't like taking codene due to problems with constiation).

I have been advised to rest as much as possible but I haven't been told not to stand. I have an apointment with the fracture clinic next tues and the only other problem I've noticed seems to be my left stiatic (sp) nerve causing me pain. I did also sprain my right ankle quite badly and I'm wondering if I'm compensating for this in ny way. I find that lying in the same position for too long also causes more aching and pain.

In short it almost feels like if I could get some movement going it might help but I don't want to risk anything. I'm a healthy weight and usually in good shape (so being unable to do any exercise is difficult for me anyway). I'm also vegetarian and never eat procesed foods.

Any advice much welcome as the hospital really weren't very helpful (they discharged me without even getting the physio to show me how to barrol roll or take the stairs).

Alana.