Inner brace

[csc]

Hello all!
I am six weeks post-op. T3-L4 with one cage, laminectomy,(sp?) etc. I'll be finding out more about the specifics on the 27th. Please those of you that have been through this.....when does the "awareness" of the rods- hardware start to go away? I wore a Milwaukee brace and the feeling is so similar- except it's inside. Really feel like I'm being jabbed this morning! The PA, at my two week appointment, assured me that it would go away eventually. How long?
What has been your experience?
Thanks!

[Singer]

"Inner brace" is a really good way to describe that being-held-in-place feeling we post-ops have. I am still very aware of that feeling at 8 and a half months post-op, but it's not nearly as uncomfortable or painful as it was -- just very stiff most of the time.

[sccrm08]

I am 91/2 months post op and I can still feel the hard ware. Also I have a plate from C-4 to C-6 and I can feel that whenever I laugh or swallow and I am 2 years out from that surgery. I don't think the feeling will ever go away but you do get used to it.

[Susie*Bee]

It must be because I was in a TLSO brace for about 5 months post-op, so I didn't really notice it in the same way. I've been without the brace for 5 months now, and I just feel pretty rigid/straight postured, if you know what I mean!!! Plus I can feel the hardness in my back from the rods, but only when I touch back there. I figure that won't ever go away. Good luck!

[txmarinemom]

My hardware annoys me when I drive (leaning back on the seat - then again, I may just need to deflate the lumbar adjustment - doh!), and forget about leaning back in a hard chair ...

Oddly, the bathtub doesn't bother me.

Other than that, I haven't run across anything else (yet) where it's noticeable.

Regards,
Pam

[JanL]

I like the "feel" of my inner brace - it makes me feel strong. I never get that fatigued feeling in my mid back like before.

What bothers me most are the screws going into my hips. Really stiff at times and has affected my stride the most. I used to do 3.5- 3.8 miles per hr, now 2.5- 2.7. Hopefully will improve with warmer weather ahead.