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Scoliosis spinal fusion

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  • Scoliosis spinal fusion

    I had spinal fusion for scoliosis at the age of 11 and am now 33 years old. When I first found out I had scoliosis it was a right thoracic 65 degrees curve and later progressed to 78 degrees before I had a posterior spinal fusion with Harrington rod and they fused me from T2 to L2. I had trouble with pain and they went in and took one of the rods out but could not get other one out.
    I have had mild back pain on and off since the fusion but the pain has got a lot worse in the last few years and is constant. This was years ago and my understanding they do it diferent now. Finally I went to a doctor and they did x-ray and MRI on me and said I have degenerative disk above and below the fusion. I do not sleep well at night and still have pain and my activities are limited and am taking medication.

  • #2
    Elizabeth, I have had similar problems with my fusion and CD rods, my surgery being in 1986. Do you have rods? My discs below where the fusion/rods are, are degenerating. I get numbness going down my left leg and find it hard to stand or walk. It's very frustrating trying to carry on with "normal" life. And I get pain at night also. I've been looking for an Orthopedic Surgeon for months and there are none available for up to a year here in southern Ontario.
    I'm on lots of medication for pain also. But for me, the ultimate answer would be fusion of the bottom discs down to the sacrum. This was only from what my previous Doctor's office at John Hopkins Hospital has advised me on.
    Hope you get an answer soon. Best of luck. I can relate.
    Carol M

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    • #3
      spinal fusion

      Carol M Hello, I will try to answer your questions the best I can. Yes I do have1 rod in my back and my back is still fused. I am also having numbness mainly in the bottom of my foot, one thing that I wounder about is,I can lay or sit a certain way and sometimes my arms and hands or my leg and feet fells ilke pins and needles? So the numbness I am not sure about. And as for the Orthopedic Surgeon in your area I do not know I am from Tennessee. I will say this from what I have read on the internet we are not the only ones having trouble with problems with spinal fusion. I have a question for you if you don't mind me asking what Vertebras do you have fused?

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      • #4
        Originally posted by elizabeth287
        I had spinal fusion for scoliosis at the age of 11 and am now 33 years old. When I first found out I had scoliosis it was a right thoracic 65 degrees curve and later progressed to 78 degrees before I had a posterior spinal fusion with Harrington rod and they fused me from T2 to L2. I had trouble with pain and they went in and took one of the rods out but could not get other one out.
        I have had mild back pain on and off since the fusion but the pain has got a lot worse in the last few years and is constant. This was years ago and my understanding they do it diferent now. Finally I went to a doctor and they did x-ray and MRI on me and said I have degenerative disk above and below the fusion. I do not sleep well at night and still have pain and my activities are limited and am taking medication.
        Welcome to the world of scolisis..I am 45 aqnd had a Harrington Rod in 1972. I am now having major pain and am facing revision from exactly what you are stating, discks gone bad!!!Mary Parris

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        • #5
          Elizabeth, I don't honestly know what vertebrae I have fused, just that fusion and rods go from the vertebrae across from shoulder-blade down to 2 vertebrae above my sacrum. I haven't been to a specialist in so long, that I don't even know the names of the vertebrae.
          What I can tell you is where my problems are presently. Moderately severe degree of mid-lumbar rotoscoliosis concavity to the right. Forward sliding of L5 in relation to S2, most likely on basis of disc degeneration as well as spondylolysis at L5. Narrowing of disc space from L2 to S1. Grade II spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 level. Disc degeneration from L2 to L5 and advanced degree at L5-S1. This is "greek" to me, just copied off my x-ray report.
          All I know is that it causes a lot of pain and general discomfort. I haven't had any problems with my arms or hands so far. But my left lower back into my hip and down my left leg constantly give problems.
          I would love to come to the U.S. as I know I would be able to see a good doctor and have excellent care if, very likely, surgery is required. But our health care system in Ontario will make this a long process before I get help. Hope I last that long......

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          • #6
            Carol M Thank for the info it is also greak to me also. I hope you are able to get some help soon. If we could only understand medical terms.

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            • #7
              I had surgery in 84 - H-rods - DDD, etc... I have found that sleeping on a bed with individual coils instead of traditional springs & adding foam & placing pillows under my legs helps tremendously!!! I was barely able to get out of bed before making these changes... Hope this helps some?!

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              • #8
                I just had my first fusion in Feb. of this year and will soon have surgery to remove a rod that is sitting on a nerve. My chiropractor that I am currently seeing told me to watch out for the joints just above and below the vertebrae that are fused because they tend to take all of the added stress of the vertebrae that are now fused. I now see him once a week to have my neck alligned and my lower back adjusted. He doesnt and cant crack my fusion (obviously) but what he is able to do helps me to cope with the pain until I am able to have my revision.

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                • #9
                  Spinal fusion

                  Hi i'm new and I don't have anyone else to talk to about this because no one understands. I had anterior spinal fusion in dec of 2003. It's been 2 years and im currently suffering from pseudarthrosis or nonunion. my back hurts all the time. it makes these popping sounds and i think i'm beginning to lose circulation in my left leg. does anyone else have a problem with the skin peeling off of the bottom of their feet? I really just need answers and I don't know what to do. thanks my email address is Rainakay@aol.com

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