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Hi All! I'm new here, but not new to pain....

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  • Hi All! I'm new here, but not new to pain....

    I am so glad I have found you all!

    I am 43, had my surgery when I was 15. 2 Harrington's.. all fused except the 6 in my neck.. and the bottom 2.

    Over the past 3 years or so.. I have been having major lower back pain. I think those bottom 2 vertebra are just plain worn out. I have a 'popping' in my upper back.. near the shoulder blade area, when I walk.. Pops with each step! No pain there though.. all my pain is in my extreme lower back.

    I can't stand, walk... nothing on my feet, for more than 15 minutes at a time.. I HAVE to sit down. The pain is alleviated immediately upon sitting.. (usually).

    Is this common amongst us older scoliosis sufferers?

    I can't afford surgery. Lost our insurance when my husband lost his job... He works for himself now.. but, still no insurance. Don't most insurance companies consider this kind of problem as "pre existing?"



    Any secrets that can help get rid of the pain? I feel like I let my family down.. because I can't participate like I used to...

    I look forward to speaking with others that know.. and understand what I am experiencing.

  • #2
    Hi Cindy...

    Lower back pain is relatively common for people with prior scoliosis curves fused with Harrington rods. Here are some references for you:

    http://www.spineuniverse.com/display...rticle308.html
    http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group...ioFlatbackers/

    Although I think you might be able to get an individual insurance plan, my recommendation would be to do something to get yourself on a group insurance plan. Could you get a job that allows you to sit while you work? The only other possibility that I can think of is to get yourself declared as disabled by social security which would allow you to be covered by Medicare, although you might still have trouble finding a good scoliosis specialist who acceps Medicare. (Also, it's fairly difficult to get yourself declared disabled. You may have to put out some $ to be seen by a specialist who can access whether you actually should be considered disabled.)

    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
      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for the response, and the links!

      I do work.. I've been in radio for many years.. I've been at the station I'm at now for almost 9 years.. so I am able to sit... usually.

      No insurance there though... there isn't any available in most stations that are privately owned, like the ones around here.

      I guess I just need some 'tricks' to ward off pain. Over the counter pain meds don't begin to make a dent in my pain. I don't want to touch narcotics. I'm picky!

      I am gearing up to try a detox and fast. Prayerfully.. it'll help some. I'll let you know!

      Cindy

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Cindy...

        I hope you're successful. Here's something to think about... Even if you ward off pain for awhile, the problem may remain until you have more surgery.

        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


        • #5
          Originally posted by LindaRacine
          Hi Cindy...

          I hope you're successful. Here's something to think about... Even if you ward off pain for awhile, the problem may remain until you have more surgery.

          Good luck.

          Regards,
          Linda
          Thanks Linda..

          Question.. With only the 2 bottom vertebra NOT fused.. what kind of surgery do you think would be benefical for me?

          Keeping in mind, my pain is very low in my back. And, that I only have the 2 vertebra... that allow me to bend, etc.

          Comment


          • #6
            Hi Cindy...

            I'm not a medical professional. Even if I was, I doubt I'd be able to tell you what surgery would be appropriate.

            In the SpineUniverse link I provided above, there's an overview (see Surgical Treatment) of the type of surgery performed if you have the condition commonly known as Flatback.

            Or, if your problem is disc degeneration below your fusion, it's possible to extend your fusion to included the degenerated level(s).

            When/if you want to explore surgical options, I'd encourage you to find a surgeon who has a lot of experience treating patients with prior scoliosis fusions. Unfortunately, I don't know of any surgeons in North Carolina (although there may be some great ones). You might find some information by hooking up with a support group in your area. You can find a list of support groups here:

            http://www.scoliosislinks.com/SupportGroups.htm

            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

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