This may seem like an obvious question, but under what circumstances are people having revisions? Is it for broken rods, loose wires, clearly pinched nerves between vertebrae?
I have the typical story: 2 harrington rods in 1984, donor bone from upper right pelvis. I led an active, athletic, pain-free life until last year (24 yrs after surgery) when I developed severe and chronic pain near the donor bone site, on the outside of my right hip and down the right upper leg. I saw 3 back surgeons (including the one who did the original surgery). I had MRIs, CT Scans, epidural injections, facet joint injections and nerve blocks. None of the procedures alleviated the pain. In fact all 3 guys said my back looks fine (as far as a scoliosis back goes!) and they did not think surgery would help. I didn't know where to turn, but finally found a physical therapist who diagnosed it as SI joint dysfunction, restrictive scar tissue around the donor sight, and basically myofascial pain (tight muscles) from overusing the wrong muscles to compensate for the curve and the surgery. I have not been able to stand on my feet or walk for more than 15 minutes since last summer. Very tough with 2 kids and a part-time job (thankfully from home).
I've been in physical therapy for 5 months now, with very little improvement. Not that I want more surgery, but has anyone had similar circumstances and had revision surgery? Also, if you didn't, and it really is muscular pain causing all this misery, what has been successful for folks on this sight? I cannot believe that I am only 41 years old and will have to live the rest of my life in this kind of pain and debilitated. It doesn't seem that complicated, but I"m having a tough time finding any relief at all. Pain meds are not an option. I absolutely checked out on my family for about a month when I was on all sorts of meds to try to control the pain. I want to "fix" this, and not just deal with the symptoms. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have the typical story: 2 harrington rods in 1984, donor bone from upper right pelvis. I led an active, athletic, pain-free life until last year (24 yrs after surgery) when I developed severe and chronic pain near the donor bone site, on the outside of my right hip and down the right upper leg. I saw 3 back surgeons (including the one who did the original surgery). I had MRIs, CT Scans, epidural injections, facet joint injections and nerve blocks. None of the procedures alleviated the pain. In fact all 3 guys said my back looks fine (as far as a scoliosis back goes!) and they did not think surgery would help. I didn't know where to turn, but finally found a physical therapist who diagnosed it as SI joint dysfunction, restrictive scar tissue around the donor sight, and basically myofascial pain (tight muscles) from overusing the wrong muscles to compensate for the curve and the surgery. I have not been able to stand on my feet or walk for more than 15 minutes since last summer. Very tough with 2 kids and a part-time job (thankfully from home).
I've been in physical therapy for 5 months now, with very little improvement. Not that I want more surgery, but has anyone had similar circumstances and had revision surgery? Also, if you didn't, and it really is muscular pain causing all this misery, what has been successful for folks on this sight? I cannot believe that I am only 41 years old and will have to live the rest of my life in this kind of pain and debilitated. It doesn't seem that complicated, but I"m having a tough time finding any relief at all. Pain meds are not an option. I absolutely checked out on my family for about a month when I was on all sorts of meds to try to control the pain. I want to "fix" this, and not just deal with the symptoms. Any advice would be appreciated.
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