top of one rod removal

[pnich]

Hi-
I had A/P fusion about 4 years ago and since have had a feeling of being stabbed in the back near the top of my rt. rod. I wonder how many others have had the top of one or both rods removed along with the hooks and wires?

Also, the spine surgeon I saw wants to remove about half of the upper rt. rod. Has anyone had this done? I am concerned about an imbalance in forces when I would lift anything or bend over to pick up something if only the left rod is attached. I don't want my upper spinal fusion to break because I had half a rod removed.

Thanks,

Pat

[Frosty]

I don't know about the risks of having half a rod removed but once the fusion has taken place which the rods don't provide any support to the back.

[spincon58]

Hi,
How long have u had pain before u decided to have the rods removed?..I have also been feeling this back stabbing pain...I;m going crazy from this.!!!! I guess its a common side effect from surgery..my dr. said if the" irratation" as he calls it doesn't subsided he said the only option is rod removal....another major surgery....uurgggg

[Cena75]

Hi, I've had stabbing pain at the top right of one of my right rod for years - it literally feels like the tissue is ripping. The surgeons didn't recommend doing a surgery to remove it right away, rather to go to physiotherapy and massage. When I get the pain now I can assess what I've been doing, and usually can attribute the pain to body posture and positioning - such as my shoulders slumped forward for a long time writing or at the computer, hunched over position, etc. If I'm conscious of what I'm doing and the positioning of my shoulders I can usually avoid it. When it does come on, I get someone to massage it, move my shoulders into allignment and rest.
I've been told that it is the soft tissue/scar tissue, etc. tearing after the back has been bent for a period of time, which strains the top of the rods. Have you looked at getting a second opinion at all if removing the rod worries you?

[spincon58]

Hi,
Thanks for responding!!
Anyway , I haven't seen a second opinion surgeon reguarding revision althou when the pain strikes thats all i think about..is surgery and getting the rods out.. I did get a referral to a physicist and i have an appointment on tuesday...the issue are the pain meds...I'm taking percocets.. and I forsee dependence..This is funny...I recently lost around 8 pounds and the doctor said that b/c i lost weight that maybe the body fat was taken from the coushioning of the heardwear and causing me this new pain....what ever is happenning I want it gone....I have to be patient and learn to manage the pain like u said

[spincon58]

One more thing?? I just noticed u had the rods removed....why do u still have pain???

[pnich]

I have had this pain since turning my head to the left and feeling a sharp pain at the top of my rt. rod about 2 months after scoliosis surgery. My surgeon said it may have pulled sideways after seeing new x-rays and didn't think anything needed to be done. It is not his pain, however and I am really tired of it.

I have tried massage, water therapy, physical therapy, exercises for strength and flexibility, meditation, menthol and salicylate cream, heat and cold packs, and recently a low inflammation diet. I use memory foam behind me in bed, in the car and chairs or else I get even more inflammation and pain. Nothing seems to fix it.

Pat

[spincon58]

Pat,
I'm so sorry.... Your at your wits..I see you've tried everything.....trigger point injections???