I had a spinal fusion with harrington rods from C-3 to L-3 for 3-dimentsional idiopathic scoliosis in June 1996, and since then it has been a lessening of the pain I remember most of the time, with periods where I wonder why I got the surgery at all. I live with constant pain in varying degrees. I have my good days and bad days since the surgery, but on the overall I think that I am glad I got the surgery. I do however have many questions.
I am one of the unfortunates to not be covered by medical insurance and I can't afford the regular visits to a doctor to try and fathom the reason I still have pain. I wanted to know if anyone has experienced high degrees of pain after the surgery?
Second, is it common to have physical therapy after the surgery?
Also, for anyone with experience with harrington rods, is it common for one rod to be longer than the other. One doctor I was able to speak to when I had insurance in 2001 expressed concern that the rod was too long and was thinking I might need readjustment. Shortly after that however I lost my job and my insurance and was not able to see him again.
Lastly, what is a good online resource for exercises that can be done to increase back strength and flexibility? I often find myself feeling sore and I would like to build the strength in my back to assist this but I have no clue were to start. Unfortunately I am overwieght and very sedintary as my current occupation is phone operator for a satelite company. I want to change this but I am clueless.
Any help or answers would be appreciated as I find life a very painfull and depressing place right now. I want to change that.
Thanks
Dawn
I am one of the unfortunates to not be covered by medical insurance and I can't afford the regular visits to a doctor to try and fathom the reason I still have pain. I wanted to know if anyone has experienced high degrees of pain after the surgery?
Second, is it common to have physical therapy after the surgery?
Also, for anyone with experience with harrington rods, is it common for one rod to be longer than the other. One doctor I was able to speak to when I had insurance in 2001 expressed concern that the rod was too long and was thinking I might need readjustment. Shortly after that however I lost my job and my insurance and was not able to see him again.
Lastly, what is a good online resource for exercises that can be done to increase back strength and flexibility? I often find myself feeling sore and I would like to build the strength in my back to assist this but I have no clue were to start. Unfortunately I am overwieght and very sedintary as my current occupation is phone operator for a satelite company. I want to change this but I am clueless.
Any help or answers would be appreciated as I find life a very painfull and depressing place right now. I want to change that.
Thanks
Dawn
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