My family extends its prayers to you and LJ.
Now.. I would like to share that, I suffered a compression fracture in my lower thoracic and upper lumbar (T10,T11,T12, L1)... not only did they pancaked together there were several fractures through them.
I took the most time to heal, but without surgery I can honestly say that is the least lingering of all the major injuries I suffered.
Why share.. to hopefully ease some of the long term fears / concerns that you may have...
The biggest thing for me.. is that I am very particular at which doctors even breathe upon my spine.. no chiropractors, general physicians.. they all want to "fix" it.... I tell them there is no reason to "fix" it...it doesn't bother me to that point.
Anyway.. there. TMI.. but good luck.. it sucks.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"