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  • Questions about CD rods

    I am new to this site and I have a few questions about my rods if anyone can help me. I had my surgery in 1991 when I had just turned 14. My surgeon was Harry Shufflebarger out of Miami Children's hospital. He used these CD rods (at the time they were experimental), as opposed to the Harrington rods, and I made a speedy recovery. Now, years later, I find my lower back to have a slow ache. I lead a somewhat active lifestyle, but I feel afraid to work out at the gym, as I don't want to injure myself. Is yoga ok? Does anyone suggest acupuncture?

    I feel afraid sometimes, like when I am crossing the street that if someone were to hit me in their car, I would be paralyzed. I think I fear because I really don't know much about living as a post-op individual. If anyone can suggest a book or website, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all for your time in reading this...

  • #2
    Hi Gina...

    I have C-D rods as well. I think we actually have less chance of major injury if hit by a car than people without implants. Fortunately, no one has done a study on it. :-)

    It's possible that you're experiencing disc degeneration below your fusion. Although I think it's a good idea to try yoga and/or physical therapy to see if you can control the pain, I'd also encourage you to go back to see Dr. Shufflebarger, or another scoliosis specialist (preferably one who has a lot of experience treating patients with prior fusions), to get evaluated.

    I had my surgery in 1992, and started having lower back pain again about 7-8 years ago. I have degeneration in all of the discs below my fusion, and am currently evaluating the possibility of having more surgery. I do find that I can reduce my pain somewhat by doing daily ab strengthening exercises.

    Good luck!

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

    Comment


    • #3
      I have read alot of people on here saying they lead a "active lifestyle"....take it from me, baby your spine....i also have CD rods in my back i had my surgery in 1989. Lower back pain is common with people with CD rods.. being your lower spine is taking the brunt of all your motion, which later can lead to disc degeneration. I would suggest finding out where exactly your pain is coming from and check into cortizone shots, it was suggested to me but i have a broken rod in my lower back and did'nt see that as helping. Try to stay away from pain meds as long as possible. Keep checking into other alternative's and get used to living with it!!! I know its hard but the human body is an amazing thing!! Please anyone correct me if i'm wrong! best of luck...fellow metal back

      Comment


      • #4
        About acupuncture I do go from time to time, it relaxes and is of help with nerve pains.

        As far as "active lifestyle", it is good to do exercises but also knowing when to take it easy, stop, relaxing and listening to your pain.
        35 y/old female from Montreal, Canada
        Diagnosed with scoliosis(double major) at age 12, wore Boston brace 4 years at least 23 hours a day-curve progressed
        Surgery age 26 for 60 degree curve in Oct. 1997 by Dr.Max Aebi-fused T5 to L2
        Surgery age 28 for a hook removal in Feb. 1999 by Dr.Max Aebi-pain free for 5 years
        Surgery age 34 in Dec.2005 for broken rod replacement, bigger screws and crosslinks added and pseudarthrosis(non union) by Dr. Jean Ouellet

        Comment


        • #5
          Just a thought..

          I think that a few people on here would consider an "active lifestyle" to be doing something other than laying in pain.

          I consider myself active if I can walk to the bathroom every time I need to go
          Age 28
          diagnosed at age 12
          wore a boston brace until age 14
          No surgery, was on "wait and watch" till recently. Got a SpineCor (Jan 27th) to help ease the pain.
          T-curve 73 degrees with severe rotation (curves to the right)
          L-curve 45 degrees with slightly less severe rotation than my T-curve (curves to the left)

          1994 - 5'10" - T-?/L-? (i forget what they really were)
          2006 - 5' 4" - T-56/L-40
          2008/09 - 5' 4" - T-73/L-45

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          • #6
            LOL. Like my ex ortho said, I was self sufficiant a few days after surgery since I could eat by myself.
            35 y/old female from Montreal, Canada
            Diagnosed with scoliosis(double major) at age 12, wore Boston brace 4 years at least 23 hours a day-curve progressed
            Surgery age 26 for 60 degree curve in Oct. 1997 by Dr.Max Aebi-fused T5 to L2
            Surgery age 28 for a hook removal in Feb. 1999 by Dr.Max Aebi-pain free for 5 years
            Surgery age 34 in Dec.2005 for broken rod replacement, bigger screws and crosslinks added and pseudarthrosis(non union) by Dr. Jean Ouellet

            Comment


            • #7
              thank you, everyone

              Thanks for being so constructive, everyone. I will go to the doctor, once I get insurance in two months once I start my new job. I haven't had medical insurance for about 9 years (since 18), and I have been supporting myself as a waitress, putting myself through school. I think that waiting tables (being on my feet for 8 hour shifts lifting heavy things and running around) is also why by back hurts, in addition to the surgery stuff.

              I think it is great that we all can talk to each other about our surgeries, I know it sounds corny, but I've always felt kind of alone (funny, in New York City). Everybody does tell me I have "great posture", and every night I work, someone asks if I am a dancer.

              Comment


              • #8
                Hi Gina...

                You might want to do a search of the word YORK here. There have been many comments on the great scoliosis specialists in NY, especially Dr. Boachie.

                Best of luck.

                Regards,
                Linda
                Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
                Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thank you, Linda. I will look into it... You have been very helpful and I appreciate it.
                  Best,
                  Gina

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    i have alot of experience with acupuncture

                    Hi gina lea
                    i saw among your quiestions one about acupuncture
                    and although i am new to this site i have alot of experience with acupuncture, i even had some done in China on a visit in '99 and i highly recommed it as a means of pain control and general balancing of day to day stresses too
                    although i think that management of scoliosis is done best by combining several methods and depending on all the variations within the diagnosis of scoliosis
                    good luck
                    double major curve
                    primary left thoracolumbar atT10-L3 60degree and lesser right thoracic at T4-T10 48degree
                    no surgery
                    degenerative disc disease throughout, Thoracic & Lumbar spondylosis and some stenosis

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