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Had spinal fusion in 1968 looking for info on complications now as an adult

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  • Had spinal fusion in 1968 looking for info on complications now as an adult

    I had a spinal fusion in 1968 (8 vertabrae) that was performed at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles. Dr Robert Treat was the attending surgeon but has since passed away. I was 12 years old and up to a year ago I lived a pain free life. I had 4 children all without incidence and now Im experiencing pain under my left rib cage which radiates to the back. My upper spine is now curved and in pretty bad shape. Im wondering if anyone knows if there is a relationship between scoliosis and abdominal problems. Im in a great deal of pain and am trying to self diagnose. I beleive that I would be a great candidate for a research program on scoliosis...so any tips advice or recommendations would be wonderful...
    __________________
    Ariana Gurrola Ariana Gurrola

  • #2
    earlier fusion

    The best suggestion is to consult an adult scoliosis specialist who has experience with prior fusions. That"s the quickest, cheapest way to find out the best therapy for you. Anyone else is just guessing and wasting time.

    You can search this forum for a specialist in your geographic area.

    Karen
    Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
    Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

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    • #3
      also had HR 1966

      Hi Arianna
      I also had a Harringoton rod placed in 1966, and it's 39 years later, i'm 52 and experiencing problems. My doctor too has passed away. I live in Montreal, and only now have found a doctor who has some semblance of what scoliosis is about. he performs surgeries on kids but sees the adults that have problems. not easy to reach, but i wonder if he's aware of the older rods used in those days. I'm scheduled to have an MRI done, but the xray clinic isn't even sure about doing that!
      I've had lots of lower back pain, and shooting pain down my right leg..it's pretty constant these days, and difficult to walk a block without the pain kicking in.
      I'm very active at work, and long hours on my feet, which doesn't help.
      I do know that it's been difficult to do exercises for the abdoman...I've tried, but there is always discomfort. I too had 3 pregancies, but had them naturally as I was told that I couldn't have any form of epideral. Have you had any neck or jaw problems?
      Marsha

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      • #4
        MRI for Harrington rods

        so, finally the wait is over! I had an MRI done this week, and seeing as the rod is 30+ years in my body, I can assure everyone that there is no effect from the xray, to the metal with this kind of rod. No heat was generated, and no reaction was felt. I was in the machine for about 35 minutes, and am waiting for results. I'll keep you posted to see if there is any damage other than normal wear & tear in the lower spine area.
        At this point, I am thinking of going after a good trainer to see if they can work with me to develop some back strength, and increase muscle where needed, to decrease the lower back pain & radiating leg pain that I am feeling constantly.
        Anyone have any experience going that route?

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        • #5
          Originally posted by marsha
          so, finally the wait is over! I had an MRI done this week, and seeing as the rod is 30+ years in my body, I can assure everyone that there is no effect from the xray, to the metal with this kind of rod. No heat was generated, and no reaction was felt. I was in the machine for about 35 minutes, and am waiting for results. I'll keep you posted to see if there is any damage other than normal wear & tear in the lower spine area.
          At this point, I am thinking of going after a good trainer to see if they can work with me to develop some back strength, and increase muscle where needed, to decrease the lower back pain & radiating leg pain that I am feeling constantly.
          Anyone have any experience going that route?
          Hi Marsha, I had a fusion in July 1981 when I was 15 i had a harrington rod it had to be replaced about 4 months later the replacement rod was removed 3 months later soon after i had disc problem in my lower back. I now have a worn facet joint in my lower back. I get pain from time to time going down my leg and also when weather is cold. I use a body shaper it helps to tone my muscles its the best piece of exercise equipment that I have this has helped me a lot.

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          • #6
            regarding the ribs

            I have get the pain in my ribs that radiates....feels like burning.....feels like cutting.......I was told that it is a muscle spasm beween the ribs because the ribs have a disproportional amount of rotation compared to the spine.....I usually get the pain after I do something extremely jarring (and I'm a dancer, so I do a lot of semi-jarring things.....but just about once a year I'll do something that will set off the rib pain a day or so later).

            It could be completely different, but maybe not.

            Physiotherapy put me back to normal pretty quickly (a week).

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            • #7
              First time user

              First time in contact with so many scoliosis-ers.
              I will be 58( at the end of month)with a broken fused harrington rod, double curvature. I've just met with my orthopedic doctor who noticed 2 hairline fracture on my spine. Common symptoms are low backaches which limits standing or any physical activities. I am fortunate that my job does not require me to stand.

              I took a class 'yoga for scoliosis' in Del Mar, CA and it works wonders for me. I learned how relieve pressure on my back through stretches and how to strength my weak muscles. I do the excercise religiously and found I sleep better without constantly shifting in bed. I suggest something like this for everyone.

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              • #8
                I had my surgery over 30 years ago and my doctor has long since retired. I also live in a different part of the country from where I had my original surgery. I have developed problems due to aging and wear and tear from being very active. I was blessed to be able to find a doctor that trained under my original doctor. Because of where my problems are, he sees surgery as a last resort and is willing to try other things. Before going to a doctor, check his/her background, see where they trained. There are a few med schools that specialized in scoliosis research.
                T12- L5 fusion 1975 - Rochester, NY
                2002 removal of bottom of rod and extra fusion
                3/1/11 C5-C6 disc replacement
                Daughter - T7 - L3 fusion 2004

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                • #9
                  help is out there

                  I know that my doctor is one of the few who will operate on adults who have had previous scoliosis surgeries. He is Dr. Alexis Shelokov at the Baylor Scoliosis Institute in Plano TX. Check out their website - www.consultingorthopedists.com.
                  And yes, spinal issues can cause pain/problems in your abdomen.
                  good luck!
                  Diane
                  Diane
                  39 y.o. female
                  Aug. 9 '05 - T-1 through S-1; Dr. Shelokov -Plano
                  Oct. 14 '97 - L4-L5/L5-S1 fusion BAK fusion cages (san antonio)
                  Feb. 14 '89 - laminectomy l4-l5/l5-s1 (omaha)
                  braced as an adolescent

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