I am 55 and had two scoliosis surgeries. My first was in 1967 to correct a 90 plus degree right thoracic curve, fused from T3 - L 2. I had a Harrington rod implanted and I was corrected to 55 degrees. The rod broke in 1970 and was replaced, but that rod broke in 1980. I still live with the second broken rod. The top part of the rod can be felt through my skin.
My back has deteriorated over the past 10 years due to trauma from a fall and an accident. I have lost height (1 1/4 inches). My curve today measures 68 degrees and I have herniated disks in my neck. Last year I had horrible pain between my shoulder blades, and down my right shoulder and arm and I was in a wheelchair. X-rays showed the herniated neck disks and I went back for physical therapy for the neck injury. I have no pain now but I can't relax my right shoulder (it's higher) and I feel my rib hump all the time. I have trouble lifting and doing some chores.
I have major breathing problems and lung restriction, and neurological issues. My back is collapsed on the left side and I have a large rib hump on the right and my hip is out more. At one point I did very well with my physical therapy. Now every time I exercise it is followed by a setback.
I've had to adjust to major lifestyle changes (piano teaching/singing) that I used to do easily and I am extremely depressed. My left hand has tremors in it and I lose control when playing piano so I had to give it up. My breathing problems make singing impossible. I am seeing a neurologist in October for my hand/arm issues, which I believe are a direct result of the weakness on that side of my back.
I have been told by more than one scoliosis surgeon that there are risks involved with removing an old rod with revision surgery, especially because my problem is not pain and because I am mobile they don't want to do it. I have read that other forum members have had rods replaced with revision surgery and am confused why there should be a risk of paralysis from going in and removing an old Harrington rod. Whatever gains I've made with physical therapy just aren't there anymore and I'm not confident it will be a permanent solution this time. If anyone has any suggestions or anything that can help me I'd appreciate it.
My back has deteriorated over the past 10 years due to trauma from a fall and an accident. I have lost height (1 1/4 inches). My curve today measures 68 degrees and I have herniated disks in my neck. Last year I had horrible pain between my shoulder blades, and down my right shoulder and arm and I was in a wheelchair. X-rays showed the herniated neck disks and I went back for physical therapy for the neck injury. I have no pain now but I can't relax my right shoulder (it's higher) and I feel my rib hump all the time. I have trouble lifting and doing some chores.
I have major breathing problems and lung restriction, and neurological issues. My back is collapsed on the left side and I have a large rib hump on the right and my hip is out more. At one point I did very well with my physical therapy. Now every time I exercise it is followed by a setback.
I've had to adjust to major lifestyle changes (piano teaching/singing) that I used to do easily and I am extremely depressed. My left hand has tremors in it and I lose control when playing piano so I had to give it up. My breathing problems make singing impossible. I am seeing a neurologist in October for my hand/arm issues, which I believe are a direct result of the weakness on that side of my back.
I have been told by more than one scoliosis surgeon that there are risks involved with removing an old rod with revision surgery, especially because my problem is not pain and because I am mobile they don't want to do it. I have read that other forum members have had rods replaced with revision surgery and am confused why there should be a risk of paralysis from going in and removing an old Harrington rod. Whatever gains I've made with physical therapy just aren't there anymore and I'm not confident it will be a permanent solution this time. If anyone has any suggestions or anything that can help me I'd appreciate it.
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