Advice pls - inflammation & protrustion of L5 post assault

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratford

I'd really, really appreciate any advice on this. Still in pain 8 weeks later & am feeling panicky!
In order to facilitate optimum healing, just relax. It is something that is indeed difficult to do and certainly more difficult in times of uncertainty. However, you will benefit from just relaxing
I was assaulted 8 weeks ago and, in addition to a broken elbow,
How suvere was the break? Where did it occur? Is the arm in a sling now? When can you use it freely according to the consultant report?
in the words of my physio, my "lumbar movement is restricted into flexion and pelvis has asymmetry in both standing and with movement. Nevro was fine. The lumber spine was very tender over L5 and there was swelling at the base of the spine. I suspect she has a disc protrusion, possibly at L5/51, which is pressing on the dural sheath."
This may be the case, however, not necessarily as the MRI will confirm this
I've been referred to a spinal surgeon and hopefully an MRI, but am frantic about recovery time. I've booked to go backpacking to New Zealand in a month's time, and then I'm starting a new job. Should I cancel the trip? Am I going to be able to do my new (&probably stressful) job with long hours??
Very difficult to answer any of these questions because if the arm will heal it will depend entirely on the orthopaedic consultant. If the back is an issue/non-issue it will depend entirely on the neurological consultants. However the key is regaining enough function in that elbow for completing a hiking trip. do you feel that you are at a stage now that you could safely manage that trip? If not then it is likely you will need more than a month to recover.
If anyone has any idea re recovery time I'd really appreciate it.

As above, regards