Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi. My name is KC. I was in a very bad car accident on 95S Dec 1. I had lost control of my vehicle somehow(still unknown) which caused me to hit the truck in front of me which caused them to flip. I then lost control of my vehicle and flipped into a tree and my vehicle caught on fire. I was very lucky officers happened to be going the other direction at the time and were able to put the fire out. They then remained with me until other emergency vehicles got there. It took them about two hours to get me out of the car. At the time they thought my leg wasn’t going to make it. Once I was flown out from the scene to the hospital, I had 8 surgeries while I was there for a three month time period. I brome both my legs, both arms, several ribs. The mist severe injury was my right leg in which I had to have a complete knee replacement and mega prosthesis after losing four inches of my knee. My leg is all metal along with 15 screws in my foot/ ankle. I also had surgery on my left arm where that is metal as well.

Now five months later, I am doing PT twice a week still. I am finally at ten degrees with my knee! However, I was told I will never be able to run again. I still am on a walker. I have a very hard time walking because of all the nerve damage in my foot. I cannot feel much of my foot so I am putting a lot of weight on one side hurting the angle. I will be off to Baltimore this week to meet with a foot specialist to see if I need one last surgery. I can wait for the walking. I would like to fix the nerve pain first. It is a lot to deal with. I would love to talk with anyone else experiencing or that has maybe been through very bad nerve pain in the leg or foot. I would love to talk with you of you have even been through an accident and willing to talk more. I know how it really can be a life changing event.

I can’t thank my parents enough for all their support through this. If there are any parents reading this. I know how hard it is for you.

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi!! First of all thanks for telling your story. I did not have a car accident; however, I can relate to not being able to use your ankle …. I fractured the c-2 vertebrae in my neck. This affected the left side of my body to which I have no feeling on that side. My mom was told that I probably wouldn’t walk again. Now four years later and hours in the gym, I use a cane. But I still have no feeling on the left side. I understand that you may be tired of hearing just give it time but really just give it time. The other thing is realize the Docs are using statics from previous cases. Please don’t put a lot into what they say you may or may not do. As far as putting a lot of weight on one side, that is normal. I know it doesn’t help, but this your body compensating. Believe I dealt with it and am still dealing with that issue. But it has gotten better, also you will learn to trust that your foot is down. You will probably start off by looking and double checking. I did. Congrats on the 10 degrees. Like I tell everybody, every little bit counts. Whether it be an inch or five pounds. I say five pounds because I went from benching over 300 lbs to where a 30 lb table gives me problems. I really do hope things work out well for you and hope this helps. Have a good one.

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

I’m so sorry you are going through this, I’m actually in a similar experience. I can’t feel most of my left foot and some of my right foot. I was in a horrible accident as well. Lost control, hit a tree flipped and hit two cement poles. The engine pushed through to the front of the car busting my knees open and pining me in. They had to use the jaws of life to get me out. Was in the hospital for two months, went through seven surgeries, and three months of rehab. I hope to hear from you to hear how you are coping with everything. I truly wish you the best, I can relate.

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi. I’m really sorry to hear about your accident. It def. Sounds similar to mine. Do you have bad nerve pain in your feet? How are your legs? I got lucky and only broke my left leg, but I am now on #13 with surgeries on my right leg. Its been mostly my foot/ankle. I have about 15 screws in there. Then I have a mega prosthesis in my leg which is pretty much a prosthetic leg under my skin. I still go through a lot of pain in my foot. My biggest concern now that it has been a year and a half is getting back to normal life with work.

Feel free to write me again if you have any questions about nerve pain or anything. I wish you the best. This really does make you a stronger person! I was also in the hospital 3 months, the Hosp. Bed at home for few! Best of luck:)

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi there, I actually have surgery to remove a screw from my right ankle that is portruding tomorrow morning. I can’t believe you have that many screws in there that’s crazy. You sound like a warrior too. I know all I want to do is get my life back and go back to work! How is walking for you? I couldn’t walk for like 5 months being bed ridden was torture.
The top and side of my right ankle is numb. But the main problem now is since I broke so many bones my left leg seems longer then my right. It’s difficult to walk normal. Especially since my left foot and leg is numb. I get jolting, sharp nerve pain especially when I stretch. I can’t even move most my muscles in my left leg. It really sucks. I’m taking gabapentin (nuerontin) everyday like 300 MG 4 times a day. I minimized it to only 2 times a day. I eventually want to be free of pill taking. Plus I never had acne till I started this medication and it’s out of control. It’s so painful.
In the accident I broke my neck (C1 fracture), Had to wear a halo for a few months didn’t think I was going to be able to move my neck again. Also fractured 6 ribs, #4 through #9. Pneumothorax (Collapsed my lung), Had left upper arm fracture, right hand fracture, facial fracture (fractured jaw in 4 places) ,had a right open knee fracture, open dislocated right ankle fracture, my lungs were bruised (bilateral pulmonary contusions), sacral fracture with presacral hematoma( pubic fracture and trauma), left superior pubic rami fracture (hip/pubic), right acetabulum fracture (head of femur is driven into pelvis by high velocity blow), right distal fibula fracture (lower ankle), right foot fracture, sternum fracture (breastbone), L5 transverse process fracture (lower spine). Respiratory insufficiency and open reduction. I had two external fixators holding my pelvis in place. One external fixator holding my ankle and leg in place.
This is definitely my second chance at life…I hope to hear from you again it’s nice to be able to relate to someone and I pray your right leg is feeling more normal to you now.

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi! First off, good luck on your surgery tomorrow. I am 13 surgeries in now and it’s been almost 19 months since my accident I know we all count the exact days since. Right? You definitely went through a lot of pain and injury. I’m very sorry! I wish I could say I know how it feels.
Even though we have all been through trauma, none of us will ever experience the same pain no matter how traumatic it is. Yes, I now have 15 screws in my Foot and ankle along with my whole leg being metal on the inside ( megaprosthesis). I still consider amputation A LOT! I just feel I would be in a lot less pain and be able to be physical again ( as far as running). .

You mentioned you were bed ridden for 5 months and in the hospital for two. I was about the same I was in the hospital for 3 months and then in a hospital bed for also about 5. My nerve pain was so severe I couldn’t watch tv, listen to music, read or barely talk. I just cried/screamed and gripped the hospital bed bars. Again it’s a year and a half+ later and my foot is still very numb and sharp pains at times. My last surgery, the Dr. Was only supposed to close a wound and he ended up doing surgery for nerve pain. Like you mentioned , I’m exhausted from pills. I might consider doing that surgery where they implant the device in your back. Have you considered that? Good luck tomorrow !

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

I’m so sorry you were in so much pain it breaks my heart its exhausting. The emotional trauma is just as bad as the physical. I think this was my 10th surgery, i am still having sharp nerve pains too.
You are a warrior fighting your battle that is for sure. Could you move your right leg at all or put any weight on it? Idk about amputation don’t they say you can still have phantom pain? That is so scary I’m sorry you even have to consider that. About the device they implant in your back I never heard of it! Thank you though the surgery went well just a few stitches. ..keep your head up girl

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi! I wanted to post an update that I just hit my two year anniversary. At this point, I have had 13 surgeries tons of tests! I’m doing my own Physical Therapy at home or at the gym. That is my own mental therapy as well. My pain still comes and goes depending really on how much physical activity I put on my foot/ leg as well as the weather. I’m sure plenty of you have metal in your body and know that the weather is not our friend! I went through a lot of nerve pain, physical pain, recovery from surgery. Having to learn to walk again was the biggest challenge. If there is anyone out there that needs support or advice, I would be happy to chat!

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi there! The 19th was actually my one year anniversary. So much to take in mentally when I think about everything I’m recovering from. I have so much metal in my body also. This is my first winter experiencing new pain with this metal. I also do pt at home or the apartment gym. It is my mental savior too and I just breathe and listen to music to keep my sanity. I had to learn to walk again after 6 months of being bed ridden I developed muscle atrophy. Which seems to continually make things especially painful with anything with walking involved. Things I didn’t even have to think twice of before like walking up or down stairs…it makes it so much more mentally challenging to accept. I have to remind myself everyday that I’ll never be the same. I brokeso many bones on my right side that it shortened my right leg a bit. But enough to be a slight limp and make it more difficul tO keep balance while walking. But I have accepted that I must stay positive and continue to remember that I have to give time to time. Thank you for continuing your uplifting spirit and positivity!

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hello to all. I have been interested in reading your information about nerve pain. After my initial surgery back in September 2015 to fit plates and screws after a compound ankle fracture I experienced numbness on the top of my foot, extending to my big toe. The surgeon explained that the nerves get stretched and bruised from the trauma of the accident and also during surgery. This did get better. But recently (mid dec) I had to go back for more surgery after the wound reopened. Since then the nerve pain and sensations are my main issue (if you don’t count still not being able to weight bear, the frustration and depression etc). I have altered sensation on the top of my foot again. But it is there all the time now, rather than coming and going like before. If I bump the side or bottom of my foot it send shooting pains like an electric shock all the way up my leg. At night I’m finding that I’m now getting leg spasms in my good leg, it’s worn out from doing all the work.
I would really appreciate any advice. Any particular medication that has helped? Has anyone explored natural therapies? Thank you

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi! I went through the exact same thing. There is nothing worse than nerve pain. I didn’t get until my 7th or 8th surgery for some reason. I remember just squeezing the hospital bed handles, looking at the clock, crying, screaming and waiting for my mom to bring me my next dose of meds. My advice for you is as soon as you can start touching it yourself with your hand. Then rub it on carpet and different textures. The best thing is start practicing yourself and then let others touch it, because it is a totally different feeling ( almost shocking). It’s been over two yrs and it still hurts if I step on a crumb on the floor. However, try some numbing lotion at pharmacies or see if your Dr. Can prescribe you some. Try heat pads and ice. Then also try relaxing music to distract you. I hope that helps some!! Best of luck to you:)

Reply: a year and a half later; 13 surgeries later

Hi! I also had a complex fracture in my right ankle along with multiple other fractures. I also had a 7cm laceration going horizontal across my knee cap causing sever nerve damage. I hurt even having a blanket touch my feet. I had to put socks on just so I wouldn’t feel the horrible static sensation. Like ant bites constantly. My entire left leg is numb and I get shooting pains that feels as though a nail gun is shooting under my foot through my spine. I stopped taking my gabapentin (neurontin) for my nerve pain it didn’t help me but gave me chronic acne. That was my allergic reaction to it anyways. I stopped wearing socKS that way I can force the nerves to feel and get used to it again. Slowly I feel it’s getting better but I still don’t have operation of all my muscles in my left leg and still can’t feel the top of my right foot from the complex fracture. My personal physical therapist has me cushion my feet and legs and breath in and out my nose and roll a rolling pin upward and it’s been drastically helping. I know many people are against Marijuana but I recommend it for people who have legal access to it. It helps better then anything that is supposed to target nerve pain specifically. I recommend Indica strains. And music is everything, find your zen. It’s the only thing that helps keep my sanity against the constant depression and reminder of what I can’t do anymore or yet. Keep your head up no use wasting energy being down ♡