Long-lasting Effects of a Sacral Fracture?
At the age of 16, I endured a severe car accident that left me with fractures in my pelvis and sacrum at three different locations. This resulted in some nerve damage, but fortunately, I was deemed lucky. Initially, the medical team planned to perform surgery, but later, a physician suggested that with careful management, my injuries could heal naturally. Consequently, I spent three weeks hospitalized, followed by another month in rehabilitation before returning home. My recovery was relatively smooth, albeit slower than anticipated. Approximately a year later, I was able to walk again, although I initially had a pronounced limp that gradually faded over the next six to twelve months. Now, 11 years have passed, and I find myself experiencing frequent discomfort that resembles sciatic pain. This issue seems to be escalating, as I’ve begun to notice numbness in my left toes, making it difficult even to lift my two-year-old daughter. Additionally, I endure sharp pains and muscle spasms triggered by certain movements, and my symptoms have reached a point where they interfere with my ability to work. I'm also facing challenges related to urinary and bowel control, finding myself unable to hold it for extended periods and occasionally experiencing slight dribbling without much control. Initially, I attributed these problems to having had my first child, but with the worsening back pain, I can’t help but wonder if I might still be experiencing the effects of my past sacral injuries. Is this a possibility? I apologize for the lengthy message, but I’m reaching out to see if others have experienced similar sacral and pelvic injuries without surgical intervention, and if so, what has been their long-term experience?
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 4:50:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's completely understandable to have concerns about the long-term effects of your past injuries. The symptoms you're describing, such as sciatic pain, numbness in your toes, muscle spasms, and changes in urinary and bowel control, can indeed be related to your previous sacral fracture.
Main Points:
- Your longstanding symptoms may connect to the sacral injury you sustained 11 years ago.
- The issues with pain, numbness, and bladder/bowel control require careful evaluation and management.
Explanation:
The sacrum plays a crucial role in nerve function and supports the lower back and pelvic region. Since you've had nerve damage from your injury, it’s possible that this could lead to conditions like sciatica, where pressure on the nerves can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your legs. Changes in your urinary and bowel control can also stem from nerve involvement in the sacral region.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a record of your pain levels, numbness, and any bladder or bowel issues. Note what triggers these symptoms and any patterns you observe. This will help health professionals understand your condition better.
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Physical Activity: Engage in gentle physical therapy exercises focusing on strengthening your core and pelvic floor muscles. Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms, and consider low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may help with the discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider for additional strategies, such as physical therapy or prescribed medications.
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Professional Evaluation: Even though it might be challenging, seeking an evaluation from a healthcare provider like a neurologist or orthopedic specialist is essential. They can conduct tests (like MRIs or nerve studies) to assess the status of your nerves and overall spinal health.
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Support Resources: Connecting with support groups or forums for individuals with similar injuries may provide additional insights and emotional support.
Addressing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Please take care, and don't hesitate to reach out for professional support as needed.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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