Pregnancy and Harrington Rod?

[jowilly]

Hoping someone can help. I am fused from T6-L4 with a Harrington Rod since 1985. I have had major problems with my back on & off over the years.

I just found out that I am pregnant and while I am ecstatic, I am scared to death about what this means for my body. I am wondering how any women have gone through this before -what your experience has been like. I am assuming that I will need a C-section and will need to start interviewing perinatologists soon. Any advice on where to start helps! Thanks :-)

[norab]

I have not had your experience, but one of my clients has. She had extensive spinal surgery as a teenager with a Harrington procedure, and revision surgery several years later. She was able to have a successful pregnancy without complication, and a normal delivery - no c-section.

Of course everyone is different, and it will be important to be followed by medical doctors who are familiar with your particular situation.

Best of luck with your pregnancy!

Nora

[LindaRacine]

http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2210
http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=509

[SandyC]

jowilly,

I had harringtons put in, in '83 and carried 2 pregnancys to term. One son was nearly 8 pounds the other just made 9lbs. Both were big health babies. As far as the pregnancy itself, I had no problems. The birth process was a bit tough, but that had to do with having big babies, as I'm only 5'1, but, both were vaginal births.

Every pregnancy is differant, but I bet you will do just fine

SandyC

[jowilly]

Thanks everyone!

[SIsForSarah]

Hi jowilly,

I've been reading through the threads Linda posted, and while they are reassuring in that many people with Harrington rods had no problems in pregnancy, I don't know if they would apply to me because, like you, I have had some major problems with my back in the past several years. For me, the problem is a herniated disc, and a specialist I went to, did say I'd be able to have a normal pregnancy, but there would be some pain. He encouraged me to work with my physiotherapist to improve my core strength which would help me with this.

Do you mind my asking what other problems you've had with your back? I think, if you have had some major problems, it couldn't hurt to speak with a spinal specialist (if you can get an appointment) to find out what to expect.

Congratulations on the pregnancy!

[heidi]

I am fused T4 to L5 with 2 harrington rods placed around 1974. My boys are 13 and 15 now. I had vaginal deliveries with out and pain medication. Obviously an epidural was out of the question and I felt any medication would interfer with the normal process so I took the Bradley Method vs the Lamaze and went into labor very well prepared, so prepared that my second kids was delivered by a midwife out of the hospital in a jacuzzi! Good luck and stay fit !!!!

[jowilly]

SIsforSarah:

I had scoliosis surgery when I was 13 - am now 37. I'd say I've had chronic pain for the last 15-20 years. Around 12 years ago I went to many surgeons who all told me I needed revision surgery (as they all do) which would involve fusing to the sacrum. At that point I could not imagine being out of work for a year. I did some physical therapy, started to feel better but then got caught in a rut and have sort of plateaued. (sp?) After I got married & moved a few years ago, I tried to get back into PT but it hasn't been the same. I have put on weight since it's difficult just to walk and I know that doesn't help. I am always throwing my hip out somehow. Also, I work from home now so there is almost no exercise whatsoever. At least when I was in NYC I was forced to walk certain places!

[Shelgrl66]

Unfortunately I cannot say I had a good experience with my pregnancies, nor afterwards. That is my honest answer and unfortunately it is one that most don't want to hear so I won't go into it, nor will it do someone else any good that is already pregnant. We all, of course are different and have had different experiences. All I have to say that COULD help you for later on, please be careful in regards to lifting your child and putting them into their carseat. Don't lift too much in a bent over position. Also watch out for the possibility of flatback syndrome, as many of us have had which has lead to multiple spine surgeries. Regardless, I wish you all the best of luck with your pregnancy.

[jowilly]

Shelgrl66: I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you!