Spinal fusion

Hi Linda I have a Harrington Rod because of sever scoliosis. The rod was implanted 50 yrs. ago I recently developed a herniated disc that is causing me sciatic pain. Docter wants to remove the rod and do a spinal fusion. Sounds very scary. Why was the bone graft the most painful and what is the procedure?

The bone graft is basically where they core bone from your hip for transplanting into your spine which then requires a drain - I wasn't aware of the pain in my back as much as the graft😆Wouldn't change it though as was in absolute agony prior to the surgery, couldn't walk and even had to change my car for an auto as couldn't change gear.

Four & a half hours of surgery, 6 rods, countless screws and of course the cage but have now started doing Yoga, Aqua-Gym, Step n Tone plus Body Conditioning classes, something everyday of the week and have my own little excercise programme for 30 mins at weekends. Am not quite 3 years post surgery but relish the freedom the surgery has given me.

Modern techniques have improved so much over the last few years and differ according to where you are in the world. Here in the UK we tend to have specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons rather than Neuro's when it is below 'C' spine and sadly we have yet to legalise marijuana for medical use in place of Opioids.

Everyone will have a different experience as we are each unique individuals in mind and physiology. Do what is right for your body and I wish you all the best with whatever decision you arrive at.?

Linda, What level of spinal fusions have you had done? And how far apart were your procedures?

Hi Kathleen,

What are you taking for your pain?

Linda. 

Hi Kathleen. Docter wants to remove my harrington rod and do a spinal fusion. Rod is 50 yrs.old and I now have a herniated disc that is causing sciatic pain. I have severe scoliosis and he says I can only expect my disc problems as I age.

Hi Linda, I am on no pain meds at this time. I was on gabapentin post op but weird off of it approx 9 mos ago, wasn’t helping anymore.  I only take Advil when I absolutely have to. I went thru s spell where I was walking baby steps, in agony every step. It has come down to Si pain left and right with activity, cortisone injections help for approx 8 weeks then back to square 1 .   I just wanted to walk for exercise but seemed to aggravate it.  I am now doing right and left hip Exercises, strengthening, improving range of motion. Both hips are very very tight. I feel that this is helping at this point. The Si Doesn’t seem to be as painful.  I started exercises with a physical therapist and am doing them at home and going to yoga one on one to improve range of motion. 

May I ask what your "strict medication routine" referrs to?  Best wishes to you.

Hi Kim, did you have any SI pain or complications after.  I have had pain left and right in Si joints with activity. I have had numerous Cortizone injections which helps but only last 7 to 8 weeks. I am now finding that doing hip exercises to improve them mobility is helping. I am starting yoga with the physical therapist who does yoga 1 on 1 ,  and am  feeling that it may help, After having bursitis the right IT band and/or  right hip

So very happy that you are doing well post fusion.  Really good to hear good news with a fusion

Hi Kim,

What is your strict medication routine?

I did take morphine and Tramadol but I have weaned myself off them and the only painkiller I take now is Shortec. I did have my GP’s approval for the weaning and although I’m in a lot of pain it’s better than being a zombie!

Linda x

Why was bone graft painful and what is the procedure?

Hi Nelly, The bone graft ltself isn’t too painful, it’s the pelvis at the hip that hurts where they take the bone from,it’s very sore for about a week, just don’t lie on that side. I had a fusion over thirty years ago, L5/S1, Just bone was used. I don’t know your age but am guessing your fusion will stabilise your spine and last you for life, I was only in my thirties, and the bone kept growing, and is pulling my spine over to one side. Nothing can be done as it is obviously part of my spine now.

But a modern fusion should help you a lot.

Hi Laura

Thank you for your response. I am 62 and never thought I would need back surgery again. Very anxious about this. Do you have a neurosurgeon or an spine surgeon do your fusion?

I had an orthopaedic spinal surgeon, but as I say it was over thirty years ago, and rods or screws weren’t used much then. It is a daunting thought, but if your pain is severe enough, you have to weigh it all up, and decide whether to go ahead or not.

 

My friend 40 Years ago had scoliosis at the age of 23 and head rods and screws put in then, by a neurosurgeon she has done well since And is doing Modified Pilates Pilates three days a week. She swears by the Pilates it keeps her flexible and strong. 

I didn’t have scoliosis, I had ruptured discs, but it was before MRI’s and had a discogram to find out which disc it was. It didn’t help me a lot, they fused the level below the problem. Had lots of problems since, think the discogram blew more discs. The Canadian Dr who did it was a masochist I’m sure.

 

 Laura, what year with that have been? Because I had a  Mylogram in theearly  80s .  You know the kind a give you a spinal headache for days yuck yuck ! 

1983 in LGI, yes I had a myelogram as well, awful headache, I had CSF leak, and was kept in hospital for a week!

I take 100mg Gabapentin, 50mg Tramadol Modified Release plus Diclofenac 50mg morning and night. Also take magnesium, calcium and Vit D for skeletal support. Not for everyone but it works for me and yes, I have stepped down and do so every 3 months or so. Considering the dosages of meds that I was taking, this is less than a quarter of my post op meds!

Hi Kathleen and fortunately no I didn't. But had had a Micro-Disectomy plus 2 rounds of Hydrocortisone treatments which provided short term relief; Micro-Disectomy lasted almost 12 weeks before further collapse exacerbated the pain and regrettably the hydrocortisone didn't really work as the Spondylolisthesis completely impinged on the Sciatic nerve bundle. Post surgery, I do get some S1 grumbling in my right leg but am working to improve my core strength and flexibility through Yoga and various other means, which is helping.😉 Hopefully you will find the Yoga therapeutic for both your mind and body - good luck!

Hi Linda; 100mg Gabapentin, 50mg Diclofenac and 50mg Tramadol Modified Release morning and night. Also take Magnesium, Calcium & Vitamin D supplements for skeletal support. This regime works for me and compared with the concoction I needed prior to surgery this is minimal in comparison. I do step down every 3 months or so and hope to be at least Tramadol free within the year. Good luck to you x

wow , what great results, so happy for you ....... I am scheduled for July 5th and was wondering what I need to know about at home care.... will I be able to do everything for myself? I have had two surgeries, one laser at houston and a discectomy and decompression in 2016, now I am at square one with my pain again.... 

Sorry for the delay in replying! Will have you in my thoughts on 5th July and hope n pray that all is successful for you.

Aftercare - best advice is to take things easy, listen to your body and don't be frustrsted when even the simple things seem arduous to begin with - like washing your hair! Lifting those arms up to wash and rinse will be an exhaustive process to begin with🙄 The first couple of weeks are the worst, if like me you are independent, stubborn & impatient, lying in bed and doing nothing is downright torture😄 On the plus side the continuous agonising pain was gone and it was just a case of letting my body heal. Once you are able to start physiotherapy, you will build up strength again relatively quickly and be sure to do your exercises religiously as that will aid your recovery no end. Good luck?

Thanks for the advice!