Got to go into hospital....

[charliebubs]

I don't think I've mentioned on here before that I was in a car accident in February. It involved 4 cars and I was kind of in the middle, which meant that I got hit from behind and pushed into the 4x4 in front of me.

It was my first car accident and all pretty horrible. I was shaken up at the time and was seen by the paramedics that came to the scene of the crash, but I didn't go to hospital.

Since the accident I've had pretty much constant head aches and pains and have had a couple of migraines, which I was never prone to before. My doctor fobbed me off with pain killers (which pretty much knocked me out for a few days) and said that it was just basic whiplash and would sort itself out.

6 weeks after the crash I wasn't any better and went back to my GP who then decided to refer me for physiotherapy. I've been having physio once a week since the end of March and am still no better

My physio is a really lovely lady and has been a great support to me, as I've been getting quite frustrated at not feeling better!! A couple of weeks ago she referred me to see a private orthopaedic specialist and surgeon (I have private health care cover through work).

My appointment with him was last week and he has diagnosed that I've damaged the nerves at the base of my skull - where my scalp meets my neck and this is the cause of the headaches etc. They're called the occipital nerves.

He sent me for an MRI scan, which I had yesterday, and has booked me into hospital for a procedure which involves me having a general anaesthetic and then getting steriods injected into the occipital nerves

It's a week tomorrow.

As if the thought of having needles into the back of my head wasn't enough - he's also told me that the steriods can cause side effects including weight gain, acne, rashes, swelling and (my personal favorite...) growth of facial hair OH JOY!!!!

However, if it stops the constant headaches and pain a small beard will be worth it!!!

I'm relieved that the end is in sight anyway, as it's been ongoing for months now. It's also taught me that people are very dismissive of "whiplash" injuries. I must admit that I probably would have been one of those people before too. You hear so many tales of people saying that they have whiplash after a car accident in order to make a personal injury claim and I think that because of those people the few of us that do have genuine injuries get overlooked as it is presumed that we're crying wolf

It's not fair, but c'est la vie I suppose.

Incidentally, I am putting in a personal injury claim but will not be looking to reach any kind of settlement until I am actually 100% better. The money isn't what's important to me.

So, please think of me next Monday, 30th June, when I'm having injections into my head

and I promise to post a pic should I grow a beard!!!!!

[angieh]

Definitely will be thinking of you charliebubs - so glad you have managed to keep your sense of humour. It's horrible that you have had to suffer so much before finding out what's the matter. I am so glad that you got good support from your physio - that was really good news.

And sure a little goatee won't make any difference with your Catsey friends!

Very glad they are doing the steroid injection under anaesthetic - when I had a frozen shoulder I was told the steriod injection was just done into the joint with just a local. No wonder I didn't go near my doctor!!!

[charliebubs]

Thanks angie!!

I'm glad you won't think any less of me with a goatee!!!!! LOL

And I'm bloomin' glad I'm having a general - I don't think I'd go in if it was just a local!!!!

I take it you didn't have the steroid injections then?!

[dandysmom]

OMG, Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear of this! Had no idea you were having problems; hopefully the injections will do the trick and you'll be pain-free! Will the rather awful side effects wear off after the steroids are out of your system? I'll mark the calendar to send calming, healing and non-hairy vibes by the boatload!!

xxx

[charliebubs]

Originally Posted by dandysmom

OMG, Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear of this! Had no idea you were having problems; hopefully the injections will do the trick and you'll be pain-free! Will the rather awful side effects wear off after the steroids are out of your system? I'll mark the calendar to send calming, healing and non-hairy vibes by the boatload!!

xxx

Thanks so much Eileen.

Yes, I think that the effects should wear off after about 6-8 weeks insofar as the swelling and bad skin etc. I'm not sure with the facial hair and weight gain though

[Erin]

Oh Charlie how awful,im so sorry you are having to go through this. Will be thinking of you next week,I hope everything goes well and that you will soon be out of pain,take care hun xxxxx

[angieh]

No, I didn't Charlie! My best school friend (known each other 40+ years now) had a frozen shoulder and had the injection and told me about it - so I played heap big chicken! The frozen-ness passed on its own but took about 18 months.

[Kim]

Oh Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear all of this, how awful for you. Will be thinking of you. Take care. x

[Kazz]

How terrible sorry to hear you news be thinking of you take care Karen

[Mags]

Sorry to hear about the accident and your resulting pain and discomfort Charlie.

I hope these steroid injections do the trick .......... don't worry about the side effects, just get yourself free of pain

I've had steroid injection for a frozen shoulder on two occasions, didn't have anaesthetic either time ......... didn't have any side effects either..

Will be thinking of you next week, take care. x