I don't know if this is the right forum

[Bettie]

but, it's kind of catch-all, so I'll post here.

On December 19th, my son and I got into an accident on our way in to finish our shopping. We were at a T-intersection and he thought he could make the turn, he was wrong. He is 17 and is physically fine, much to my relief.

My Prius is dead, hit straight on in the passenger door. We're in Iowa, where every third person drives a giant truck. We were lucky that the other vehicle was a sedan or we'd probably both be dead as that road is 55 mph speed limit.

I came out of this lucky, I'm told. Only major injury was a partial lung collapse that resolved by the next day.

But, I hurt, my mobility is so limited and I feel like I can't do anything right now.

So, has anyone had such a thing happen and got past it? Any advice for keeping sane?

I bounced back from c-sections fast...this is not the same.

Maybe I just need some encouragement, someone to tell me this will get better.

The one shining light is that husband is wonderful and oldest son is home over the holidays, so he can help (he is 6 foot six and really strong) and I'm not all alone as I am most of the time.

Maybe I needed to vent.

Thanks for listening and if this is the wrong place or too whiney, mods can delete it.

Bettie

[LuckyCharms]

1. I'm so sorry, Bettie.

A car accident like that will rock you.

It's been only 10 days...I would still expect pain to persist.

What's hurting? Pretty much everything? When is your next doctor's appointment?

[Bettie]

3. Just got back.

From there. Need to check out OT options. She ordered an MRI because my hip is really jacked up. I can barely move my right leg , mostly I drag it along after me, but I can put weight on it.

They are giving me more pain pills, so that’s something.

[LuckyCharms]

8. Glad you went...please ignore my post #6 then.

I'm glad you are getting an MRI.

Hope you feel better soon!

[Walleye]

2. Car accidents can be very depressing and disorienting . Give yourself time.

[1WorldHope]

4. I'm so sorry, that must have been terrifying!

I would go for THC gummies and a good chiropractor.
Others might suggest physical therapy.
You probably have some PTSD too. That's what friends and family are for.
I wish you the best and fastest recovery and I hope you have excellent insurance. 💙

[Bettie]

12. We do have really good insurance

Which is a huge blessing.

[MIButterfly]

5. Dear Bettie, I am so sorry this happened to you.

I hope you feel better soon. It's too bad about your car but cars can be replaced. I know saying that you were lucky that it wasn't worse is not much of a consolation but it's the truth.

I don't have any words of wisdom except to offer my best wishes for a speedy recovery and remind you that DU is here for you. Lean on us as much as you need. There's always somebody here at any time of the day or night ready, willing and able to offer advice, encouragement, or at the very least, just listen.

It will get better. You just need time.

Love,
MIButterfly



P.S. Your post did not strike me as "too whiny" at all.

[Bettie]

19. Everyone at the ER and in the hospital

told me I was lucky, that my son being 100% unharmed (physically, he's feeling a lot of guilt and will likely need counselling) and me not having anything broken. The doctors were shocked that the pneumothorax resolved overnight...so I know from the intellect side that I am lucky.

From the living in my body side, I don't feel all that lucky right now, but it's coming.

This afternoon, I started talking to myself. Reminding myself that getting up requires a few seconds of pain as my hips engage and then, I can easily pull myself to standing by engaging my core. When I'm crying (for the millionth time in the day) I say "this is not permanent, you can do anything for a little while. If it helps, good, if not, no harm done, right?

My resolve to get back to my weight lifting routine is strong too....the only reason I can move is because I did lots of squats and other lifting. I have strong legs and core, even though I'm fat.

And I treasure DU because there is always someone here to listen, it makes up for not having a lot of local friends and my tendency to not reach out to local people because I worry about bugging them or seeming needy. I know that almost everyone here honestly cares about the others here.

It will take time. I am terrible at patience, and yet, the universe keeps trying to teach it to me.

[LuckyCharms]

6. This link might be helpful...

https://www.integrityspineortho.com/post/why-pain-sustained-from-an-auto-accident-is-often-delayed/

My opinion: If your pain feels different than muscle or tendon pain, you might want to do a follow-up visit ASAP. I would also do a follow-up visit if you are having other symptoms besides pain, or if the pain worsens over the next few days.

It sounds like you were hopefully scanned after the accident, and that would have ruled out any internal injuries that are causing the pain. So I'm hoping, the pain is just due to both the wearing off of adrenaline, as well as a delayed inflammatory response.

My guess is that if you were scanned, and it didn't show anything seriously damaged, then your pain will get better once the inflammation calms down. But please, only you know how you feel, so don't hesitate to go to the ER or to the doc if you sense you need to.

[Bettie]

20. That was helpful, thank you

My kids keep telling me that being the mom doesn't make me invincible.

It should. But it doesn't.

I'm getting an MRI sometime after my insurance approves it, so we'll find out what's going on in my hips and then PT when I can walk a little better.

[CrispyQ]

7. Is physical therapy a possibility? Massages, also might help. Some plans cover these things.

I recommend PT. It can really help, & you need to move, but it would be best if you had a professional to tell you where & how to start. I feel for you. We take our mobility for granted until we can't or it hurts. Wishing you healing vibes!

[Bettie]

9. I have to look up what is in network

Because we are in Iowa and dh’s company is in CA, but that is on the list of things to do.

Doc also wants an mri if the hip before PT

[Bettie]

10. We have a good chiropractor in town

Not really ready for that, but he also offers acupuncture and massage.

My oldest son went out and bought a recliner with a lift function for me to sleep in. It has helped so much. I can rest.

[CrispyQ]

13. So glad you have a good network of support!! Be well, Bettie! -nt

[SheltieLover]

11. Healing vibes on the way to you & your son

[progressoid]

14. So sorry.

A collapsed lung sounds kind of miserable.

I'll commiserate with you about the pickups. I too live in IA and it's out of control. I live in town and a lot of my neighbors have them. They don't need them for work or to get up a treacherous hill. They're just big toys.

Also, those lift chairs are great! We got one for mother-in-law. She scowled at first. Now she loves it.

[LoisB]

15. I am so glad neither of you were seriously injured. Thank heavens it was a sedan.

[BittyJenkins]

16. When you get hurt

It isn’t just the fixable injury. Your whole body and psyche got thrown off balance. It is hard to trust the world around you. Give yourself healing time and it should all get better. If something persists get it checked out.

So glad you are home safe with your family!

[Clouds Passing]

17. Comfort and nurturing to you 💖💚

Vent all you need. You will heal. May have a bit of ptsd riding in cars, EMDR therapy helps alleviate that quickly.

[Vinca]

18. It's only been 10 days so give yourself a break. You had a major trauma and it takes time to recover.

Look at the big positive in all of this. You and your son both survived the accident, and a Prius can be replaced. Plus, you can milk this and have your husband and oldest son wait on you hand and foot. I know what you mean about the giant pickup trucks, though. I'll never understand why so many people have them and 99.9% if the time there's nothing in the crew cab and nothing in the bed of the pickup.