Hi, my name is Don. In 1992, while working for Frito Lay, I fell in the back room of
one of my stores. I was restocking shelves and, while backing out of an aisle in a crowded
room, I fell. I knew something was wrong immediately.
The ER took x-rays and told me I had sprained my neck and shoulder. I followed up with an
orthopedic surgeon. An MRI of the C-Spine showed herniations between C4&C5, C5&C6
and C6&C7.
I continued to work for five months. I saw a chiropractor and underwent a very horrible
procedure called a discogram. Finally, the pain worsened and I got a second opinion from a
nuero surgeon. I was losing feeling in my arms and hands. I would wake at night with
terrible pain in my elbows. I underwent a second MRI, this time of the lumbar, since I was
having leg problems. This revealed four additional herniations in the lumbar region.
My nuero surgeon was very forthright with my options. The discs will never "fix"
themselves. Since the three discs in the neck were impacting the spinal column, I was in
danger of total paralysis. He told me up front that the pain may not improve and could
possibly increase even after surgery.
In Feb. 1993, I underwent a three level discectomy. Bone for the fusion came from a
"bone" bank, which is a nicer name for cadaver. To stabilize the fusion, 2
plates and 12 screws were installed.
I underwent a lengthy rehab. The physical therapy was very dificult. My pain increased
dramatically. I tried to stay active, but my mobility was effected. Originally, I was told
that my pain was from scar tissue and would eventually decrease.
In 1994, I went back to school. I was given a vocational evaluation and we decided to
peruse a new career in accounting. I Finished a two year community college and was
accepted at Florida Atlantic University in 1996. Since I was getting nowhere in terms of
employment, I switched my major to History. I had hoped to go to law school after earning
my BA degree.
As time went by, things got much harder for me. My physical condition deteriorated. As it
became more appearent, that I was not going to get my degree and find a job and live
"happily ever after," I became very depressed.
The pain level on a daily basis was at 8 on a scale of 10. I was unable to sleep and, lost
interest in every thing I used to enjoy. Worst of all, I started to withdraw from my
family. What many people do not realize is the affect a change like this has on one's
family. I have a wonderful wife, who has supported me, encouraged me, and when I needed
it, shoved me in the right direction. I have a son who is everything one could ask for in
a child. He has had to pick up all the physical slack around our house. I am ashamed to
say that He became the target for all my anger and frustration.
Things bottomed out in 1998. Although I had been treated for depression since 1995, I had
a breakdown and spent seven weeks in a psychiatric hospital. I now know that for some of
us, you have to reach rock bottom before you can start to get better. Through therapy and
medication, I have been able to come to grips with my life.
To make matters worse, this was an "on the job" injury, and I learned quickly
how unfair the workers compensation system is. We were ruined financially, and forced into
bankruptcy. The injured worker cannot pick and chose his or her own medical help, and to
make matters worse, one does not have patient doctor confidentiality.
I have found some stability in now being able to accept things as they are now. It was
hard to lose the friends I had through work. It is hard to accept being unable to enjoy
playing softball or bowling. I have learned to appreciate my recliner and bed, which is
where I spend a lot of time.
Don has been kind enough to offer anyone interested to e-mail him..
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