Does anyone have more than one rod?

[always smilin']

Just curious if anyone out there has more than one rod...I know I've heard that some have had trouble with rods breaking /becoming detached, etc...but does anyone have more than one rod? (I know that todays surgery often uses double rods ...so maybe my question would better be...does anyone have 3 or more rods?

Curious
Always Smilin':)

[mattie]

I have 2 rods. One on each side of my spine. They are screwed to each side of my spine.I did not know that a person could have more than 2 but anything is possible. I am interested to know now also if anyone has more than 2 rods.
Mattie

[LindaRacine]

Hi...

I have two rods, as do most people who've had scoliosis surgery (at least in the U.S.) any time in the last 20 years or so. Most people who have more than two rods have had to have additional surgery. Here's an example:

http://health.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Flatback_Revised/photos/view/a40e?b=1&o=2

Regards,
Linda

[sweetness514]

Have two rods, one was replaced in December. Some who have non unions(like I had) with a broken rod don't have it replaced when they take it out, but my ortho and I insisted to have it replaced, or the new fusion would not take hold.

[always smilin']

Hi...

I have two rods, as do most people who've had scoliosis surgery (at least in the U.S.) any time in the last 20 years or so. Most people who have more than two rods have had to have additional surgery. Here's an example:

http://health.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Flatback_Revised/photos/view/a40e?b=1&o=2

Regards,
Linda

I couldn't open the photo as I'm not a member but sounds interesting. I'm looking at a possibility of 3 rods (have 1 now - surgery in 1982) but in the next few years may be looking at an additional fusion. I was just curious if anyone else has undergone this:) I think I'm a rarity:) I never do things quite as I'm supposed to.

Always Smilin' :)

[pretzelmama]

:) Hi! My name is Laura...i have 2 rods...but I also have a plate and screws in my neck! I know that's obviously not a 3rd rod...but it should count as something! lol!

[always smilin']

Can you tell me more about your neck? Mine looks a bit like a snake and I'm having some problems because of it but am too afraid to have anyone touch it. (So you have the traditional 2 in your back or a harrington and a revision?)

Thanks much
Always smilin'

[pretzelmama]

Hi there! Okay...I had a posterior fusion with 2 harrington rods in Sept. of 2002...One of my bottom hooks came loose, so I had to have a revision in Dec. of 2003...the dr. took everything out, then started over from scratch with the rods and SCREWS this time! I started having shoulder pain, numbness and tingling in my arm & hand...and literally...pain in my neck. lol I had neck surgery in August of 2005. Trust me, Honey , I was terrified! Mine is kinda like a snake, too, with a big bulge right at the bottom of my neck...in the past 6 months...my other side has been doing the same thing...the pain, tingling & numbness, etc....so I'm looking at another surgery on my neck in the near future. I'm having a hysterectomy & bladder surgery at the end of this month...my husband says he thinks scars are sexy! Good thing, huh! Let me know your story...iit's so nice to be able to talk to people who are going thru the same thing!

[brat]

Hi I Have 6 rods in my back 2 (T3 to L1), 2 (L3 to L4), 2 (L5 to S1) 22 screws and Plate in Neck with 4 screws. Hope it all hangs together. I think it will put alot of stress on T1,T2,L2, L4 discs. Dave :)

[Pips]

I am in the UK and only have one rod. I was told that this is more common here, to have one thick rod rather than 2 thinner ones - I think its because there are less screws (and my screws are huge!).

Also, particularly if you are older, they don't aim to straighten you out completely - just to get good sagittal balance. They fuse the fewest levels they can in order to keep flexibility.

I am continually amazed at the different approachs by different surgeons - especially when it comes to one side of the Atlantic or the other!

[brat]

Hi!! Just wondering do you work?? Thanks

[always smilin']

Oh my goodness, Brat! That is absolutely shocking (the amount of rods). And here I was having a pity party for myself with possible revisions. What's it like to have a neck plate? Does it limit your movement? I can't even imagine. I only have the one Harrngton Rod and thankfully it lasted me about 20+ years but I'm really frightened as to what the next 40 years may bring...my doc says that we need to look at the present but it's hard to not look at the future when you're hoping for a long, productive life...I don't want one where I'm limited.

I work full time as a teacher (elementary) so do a lot of up and down, floor work, etc. and love my career. I think it helps that I can rest somewhat in the summer (if you call running after a 2, 9, and 10 year old resting:)

Thanks everyone for sharing!
Always Smilin:)

[brat]

The neck plate isn't to Bad was a cake walk conpaired to my back surgery. I think i have good rotation on my neck. Still have problems with neck up higher and muscle problems. I was very happy with the neck surgery!! :) Dave

[mattie]

Whow Dave, I did not know someone could have so many rods. That is amazing. I only have two and that is plenty enough for me. I had revision surgery twice though. Sound to me like you have been through a lot. When I get on here and see all these posts and different peoples experiences it amazes me what some of these people have went through. It makes me feel a little less sorry for myself. Mattie

[judyk]

I have 4 rods--two on either side of the spine, but the two on each side are connected together.

[pretzelmama]

Hi! No, I don't work outside of the house...but I'm the Mom of 3 girls and 1 boy, ages 9 thru 18! :)

[karen57]

Hi, I'm new to this group. I had 2 rods put in in 1963, they were stainless steel, which I don't believe is used anymore.They are both broken now and 1 of the screws is loose in my back. My last doctor said "if it ain't broke ,don't fix it". I am now in a different state and I'm debating seeing another dr. Needless to say I am terrified of another surgery, but I have pain every day and I think it is time I checked it out. I know nothing about what they are doing now, so any information would be appreciated.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Karen...

You should definitely see another specialist. Broken rods often/always mean an area that hasn't fused. If you have an area that didn't fuse, it would almost certainly cause pain.

I know that the idea of more surgery is incredibly daunting, but the good news is that it will probably be much easier than your original surgery.

Regards,
Linda

[sweetness514]

Hi Karen,

I had a broken rod and non union also. I didn't experience much pain just from the non union before the rod broke and the screws came loose, but when all broke it was making all these sounds and I decided that it was best to fix it, b/c in just a matter of one year, a lot of damage was done, and that's not good. The surgery is pretty big b/c they cut me all open again and not only removed the rod but replaced it with new screws and crosslinks, but I was more prepared for it(b/c of the first time, and reading on this forum), and it is easier. They also gave me an epidural cathetar wich lessened the pain a LOT.

Good luck.