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Sent to Health Experts May 23, 2006 6:18 p.m.

I have recently been involved in a road traffic accident . I was the driver of a car that was hit from the rear whilst slowing down on a dual carriageway by another vehicle who obviously was unable to slow down. I walked away from the accident but during the next 48 hrs developed various symptoms from haematuria( passing a large amount of blood in my urine) and various extremes of pain in my back upper and lower/ shoulders and neck. I attended the A & E Dept. who refered me to my GP and since have had a kidney scan which has shown some kind of kidney damage. My GP requested the scan as she suspected brusing to the kidney. My GP is away on holiday and I have been told this information by a locum doctor. I have been off of work for almost 4 weeks now - much of the pain has eased off and I am now longer taking the pain killers 24/7 only as and when required. I am sleeping up to 10 - 11 hours??? I tried to go swimming as I used to swim at least 3 times a weeks also sauna & jacquzi. The swimming agrivated my lower back and pain in my legs. The locum doctor has advised me to not go swimming and take it easy.. The hospital reccommended a 2nd scan in 6 - 8 weeks time? I am concerned about being off of work for so long and would like to ask what is the likely time span for recovery for this type of kidney injury? How do you know when you have recovered? Do you recovery 100%? I permanently have had back pain insome degree following the accident. I would like
to get back to work and swimming etc but am not sure what to do for the best. I would be most grateful for some advice until I can see my own G.P? Many thanks

Sue Butcher

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 44

Already Tried:
I was taking diclofeniac and co-proxamol but the locum Dr. has advised to stop taking the Diclofeniac. For the 1st 2 weeks I could hardly walking the pain was extreme and I was sleeping on and off for up to 16 hrs. I think I also have whip lash. My neck jus stiffens up at times and hinders my head movement. From week 3 I have tried to get a bit more mobile some days have been better than others. By week 4 the muscuar pain has improved by about 65% but the lower back pain now seems more predominent. The company I work for is very busy and when I go back to work I will need to function 100% I don't want to go back too soon if it is not advisable and unknowingly do myself any harm and then have to go sick from work again as this would not bode well on my attendance record as my atendance will now be deemed as unsatisfactory to the comapnys standards due to this accident and I do not wish to make matters worse.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $9

Answer
May 23, 2006 6:36 p.m. (18 minutes and 33 seconds later)

REPLIED

It can take up to 6-8 weeks to feel good enough to return to work after kidney damage in some cases. Your body will tell you when it is fully recovered, alot of the extra sleep you have been doing is due to the fact that your body is trying to recover from the trauma and this can cause you to sleep more then you usually do as well. You can recover 100% from this type of injury as long as you do not overdo it too soon as any type of abdominal injury can lead to a hernia of you try to do too much to soon and strain yourself. Therapy such as swimming should be started slowly and only do as your body seems capable then stop but swimming can be wonderful therapy. It can take up to a year for some people to feel 100% recovered but most within 6-9 months so it will take some time and when you do return to work you will have to start slow to allow your body to get used to the increased activity for best results.

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*Cheryl K* Please click the "ACCEPT" button
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Gen. Medicine/OB/GYN Infectious Disease /STD/Sexual Health/ Orthopaedics/ Pediatrics/Internal

Reply to Cheryl K.
Sent May 23, 2006 6:56 p.m. (19 minutes and 43 seconds later)

Thank you your reply has been most helpful. I was concerned that as no one can see any external symptoms now and the pain has eased in ccomparison to after the incident that my works occupational doctor might I am taking liberties if I stayed off work any longer because I am still not 100% yet.

Thank you again...

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
May 23, 2006 6:59 p.m. (2 minutes and 45 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

No it is understandable, the internal healing has to go through a longer process then the outside apperance may show. You use your abdominal muscles for everything and when you have an injury in that area it takes longer then other illnesses that may have a faster recooperation rate. As long as the pain is easing and you feel you are recovering allow your body to let you know the signs as it will let you know if you are doing too much, and sleeping is a sign you are healing so enjoy it while you are able to let your body heal to the best. And you are very welcome for my reply.

__________________
*Cheryl K* Please click the "ACCEPT" button
if my information was helpful so I get credit for my work. Bonuses and/or feedback are greatly appreciated! Click reply for more info

Cheryl K. -- Medical Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3316 Health Accepts
Gen. Medicine/OB/GYN Infectious Disease /STD/Sexual Health/ Orthopaedics/ Pediatrics/Internal

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