Two revision surgeries

[jackieg412]

Well I finally have some answers to what is causing some of my problems . I have my rods joined at about the t-10 or t11 area. I also have a cross connector in that area. I have had nerve problems in my left chest since the rods were joined. That was over 3 years ago. Well the latest ct scan showed a possible nerve being impinged at that area. At the end of August I will have t6 through t10 left hardware removed. The Dr will cut the rod and remove the screws, cross connector and the domino connector.( left side only). I will then (hopefully)have relief of the nerve pain in the chest wall.I am praying that this helps. It may also help the scapula move better also. The second problem is another cervical disc has ruptured into the spinal cord. I am already fused c5-6-7. This is c-4 . That surgery will be several months after the thoracic hardware removal. I am so glad to be able to find an answer to these problem. It sounds crazy but I will be happy to get relief from the pain and off of the meds!!! Amen! Jackie

[golfnut]

Best of luck with both of your surgeries. Relief is in sight!

[susancook]

Wow! I hope that this does it. It is frustrating to tell someone that you have pain and they cannot figure out where it is coming from.
Susan

[mabeckoff]

I hope that you will get pain relief and that all goes well

Melissa

[titaniumed]

Jackie, its good to see a plan in place.......

I have read about cross members in the past but cant remember why and when they use them. Maybe Linda would know? I have never seen any discussions on this subject matter here.

Ed

[jackieg412]

Hi Ed, the cross connectors go between the right and left hardware. Now I have what the Dr calls domino connectors. I have 4 rods as first I was fused t10 to pelvis. I fractured t9 side days out of surgery.so then I was fused t2 to t10. They did not remove the original rod but put the new one along side of the first one. Then they connected them with what looks like a band of metal. This is the "domino connector". But my space between my vertebrae is limited. The Dr says that I am build too small. This area has always been a problem. They are to remove the left side only. I have a question. Do I get to keep the removed hardware?I would at least like to see it.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Ed, the cross connectors go between the right and left hardware. Now I have what the Dr calls domino connectors. I have 4 rods as first I was fused t10 to pelvis. I fractured t9 side days out of surgery.so then I was fused t2 to t10. They did not remove the original rod but put the new one along side of the first one. Then they connected them with what looks like a band of metal. This is the "domino connector". But my space between my vertebrae is limited. The Dr says that I am build too small. This area has always been a problem. They are to remove the left side only. I have a question. Do I get to keep the removed hardware?I would at least like to see it.

We use to routinely give patients any implants that were explanted, but I haven't seen that happening recently. I've been trying to give our Pathology lab to release a broken rod so I can send it to the manufacturer for analysis, but was told that all implants were sent to Pathology and that Pathology won't release them unless Risk Management approves it. I don't know if that's just UCSF policy, or if it's the common practice. No matter what, it can't hurt to ask your surgeon for the implants.

--Linda

[titaniumed]

What I mean is that you will see constructs like mine without cross connectors and some with one or a few. Companies might recommend a cross pc for certain parameters, with the surgeon making the final call. Its not like every T2-L3 construct has the exact same connectors in the same spots on every case. I noticed this years ago, especially with full fusions like mine, others has cross connectors and I didn’t. Is the extra support worth having that extra pc of metal possibly causing havoc?

Every surgeon has to weigh out every single pc of hardware that’s used. Every screw that’s driven in adds support, but at what cost? I had screws inserted on each level, but males have larger pedicles which make them easier to place.....The screws are driven in on angles due to anatomy and form a very strong triangular shape, almost like a tower. I’m wondering why these cross pcs are actually necessary?

I hope its as simple as removing that one pc that’s causing all the pain.....It would be nice if this was an immediate thing but you know that healing has to happen and nerves can be stubborn when it comes to healing.

Operate and wait and see. That’s all we can do.

Ed

[leahdragonfly]

When I had my revision for broken rods I also asked Dr Hart to take out the single pelvic screw I had. That left SI or screw area had bothered me since surgery. Since I was about 15 months post-op he said it would be fine to remove it. I asked him for it as a remembrance, and I did get it back. I still have it and look at it occasionally. It is pretty huge!

It seems in general that patients don't usually get explanted things back. There is more resistance now about giving back items that have been in someone's body due to contamination with blood and body fluids. I work in invasive cardiology and we used to routinely offer patients their old pacemakers and defibrillator generators back when they got replaced. That practice has pretty much gone by the wayside.

Jackie good luck with your upcoming surgeries! I really hope they are going to help you with your long-standing pain, and I'm glad you are finally getting some help.

[jackieg412]

Well I am just days away from surgery to remove parts of the hardware. I am off of some of meds and struggling with that but it should be over soon. It has taken a long time to get here . This part of the hardware has been there for over 3 years, and I have had issues for that long. I started getting serious about a solution last December. The doctor has always been straight forward about being reluctant to remove it. But the ctrl scan showed part of it is on the intercostal left nerve. I will be glad to have it get the chance to get better. This is still part of a workers comp case and the hospital wants 40,000 dollars upfront. Good luck with that!!! I am amazed that this small part of removal is to cost up to 60.000 dollars. I still need to call the legal part of this as I don't have that amount of money to pay up front. It isn't like I don't have additional insurance. Oh well just another hassle. I just don't want this cancelled. It has been so long to get this close.

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Jackie,

Best of luck in the coming days - I hope you can get all the financials dealt with and get the surgery done. You have waited so long to get some relief.

Please let us know how everything goes.

[JenniferG]

All the very best to you Jackie. I hope this surgery is the last and you have a quick and smooth recovery.

[jackieg412]

Well tomorrow should be the hardware removal day. It has been a long time coming. The hospital has asked for 40.000 dollars upfront. By the settlement contract I can not pay them until a bill occurs. So I can not give them that. My attorney has faxed a document to them that states that. I am liable for the funds to be paid a certain way. And risk a lot if I do it wrong. It will work out I am sure. But such aggravation!! Some how it just doesn't seem right. A deposit is one thing but that is even more than I was given.

[springchicken]

Good luck, Jackie! Not just with the surgery-I hope all the financials get settled quickly for you. You don't need that added stress right now. Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending healing vibes so you may recover quickly.

[jackieg412]

First one done .so far so goodĦĦĦ