Guest guest Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 I don't have a broken rod, but the surgeon removed a portion of one rod in 2007 and the results haven't been great. I now have flat back syndrome and my chronic pain has increased times 10. I am up for a revision surgery in 2011, but don't have high hopes that they will be able to do much. My suggestion would be to do something now, so that he doesn't experience the flat back syndrome as I have (I am 29 years old) and was 6'6 " before this began, now I am maybe 5'6 " with the curve. If his lowest lumbar vertebrae are not fused, I would consider such a revision surgery that fuses the remaining lower lumbar spine. Had my entire lumbar spine been fused, I would not have experienced flat back syndrome, nerve damage, and the severe pain that I am in now.  Sorry for the negative information, but I really just want to get my story out there so that others can prevent what I have experienced. Hope this helps and we will pray for your family.  Best Wishes, Paige From: Neta <Netali7@...> Subject: Re: Broken Rod Scoliosis Treatment Date: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 4:42 PM  From what I understand, once the fusion is cured, after about 9 months, the rods are useless. The fusion is what's holding the vertebra s in place, not the rods. The rods just there to make sure all stay aliened during the curing phase (9 months). In theory, one could have a surgery to remove the rods once it's cured. But surgeon don't touch the rods, to prevent the patient from an extra unnecessary surgery. Neta > > At my 25 year old son's bi annual check up today, the xray showed a broken rod. He is fused T3 - L3 with 2 surgical steel rods posterior. > > > He also has a short anterior rod done when he was 16. It curved above and below that rod hence the longer fusion. > > > This surgery was done 6 years ago and this is the first problem other than chronic pain. > > > The ortho surgeon didn't seem that concerned about the broken rod and I am wondering what experience or problems others have had when this happens. > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2010 Report Share Posted December 2, 2010 Yes, but I know a lady who had only one vertebrae fail to fuse, and the rods broke at that level, and she had to go through it all over again. So the vertebrae must fuse at every level or the rods will break down, and you'll have to start all over again. Debbie From: Neta <Netali7@...> Subject: Re: Broken Rod Scoliosis Treatment Date: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 8:42 AM  From what I understand, once the fusion is cured, after about 9 months, the rods are useless. The fusion is what's holding the vertebra s in place, not the rods. The rods just there to make sure all stay aliened during the curing phase (9 months). In theory, one could have a surgery to remove the rods once it's cured. But surgeon don't touch the rods, to prevent the patient from an extra unnecessary surgery. Neta > > At my 25 year old son's bi annual check up today, the xray showed a broken rod. He is fused T3 - L3 with 2 surgical steel rods posterior. > > > He also has a short anterior rod done when he was 16. It curved above and below that rod hence the longer fusion. > > > This surgery was done 6 years ago and this is the first problem other than chronic pain. > > > The ortho surgeon didn't seem that concerned about the broken rod and I am wondering what experience or problems others have had when this happens. > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 Why did you removed part of your rod? My surgeon told me he's had bad experiences with people removing hardward, even when they're fully fused. He said there's no explanation as to why curves increase when technically they shouldn't. But he won't remove rods unless absolutely necessary. ________________________________ From: Paige Komar <ecstaticmommy2009@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Thu, December 2, 2010 1:46:42 PM Subject: Re: Re: Broken Rod  I don't have a broken rod, but the surgeon removed a portion of one rod in 2007 and the results haven't been great. I now have flat back syndrome and my chronic pain has increased times 10. I am up for a revision surgery in 2011, but don't have high hopes that they will be able to do much. My suggestion would be to do something now, so that he doesn't experience the flat back syndrome as I have (I am 29 years old) and was 6'6 " before this began, now I am maybe 5'6 " with the curve. If his lowest lumbar vertebrae are not fused, I would consider such a revision surgery that fuses the remaining lower lumbar spine. Had my entire lumbar spine been fused, I would not have experienced flat back syndrome, nerve damage, and the severe pain that I am in now.  Sorry for the negative information, but I really just want to get my story out there so that others can prevent what I have experienced. Hope this helps and we will pray for your family.  Best Wishes, Paige From: Neta <Netali7@...> Subject: Re: Broken Rod Scoliosis Treatment Date: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 4:42 PM  From what I understand, once the fusion is cured, after about 9 months, the rods are useless. The fusion is what's holding the vertebra s in place, not the rods. The rods just there to make sure all stay aliened during the curing phase (9 months). In theory, one could have a surgery to remove the rods once it's cured. But surgeon don't touch the rods, to prevent the patient from an extra unnecessary surgery. Neta > > At my 25 year old son's bi annual check up today, the xray showed a broken rod. >He is fused T3 - L3 with 2 surgical steel rods posterior. > > > > He also has a short anterior rod done when he was 16. It curved above and below >that rod hence the longer fusion. > > > > This surgery was done 6 years ago and this is the first problem other than >chronic pain. > > > > The ortho surgeon didn't seem that concerned about the broken rod and I am >wondering what experience or problems others have had when this happens. > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 When I had a revision for unfused area, yes, they " only " refused that area. But they had to go in first thru the front, then thru the back, remove the broken portion of the rod and attach the new rod to the old. Also, since he was going in anyway, they checked my S1 disc and decided it should be fused as well. They thought it was best bc each time we're cut open it gets more difficult with more risk of comlications, so they thought it's be better than needing to fuse that one at a later date. This made the surgery become surgeries. Five days apart. I was 50 and underweight and there were some problems when he was in there. So now, 3 years later, I'm just sort of feeling better. Revision surgeries are more difficult than the original, but sometimes they have to be done. It's so important to get a surgeon who is specialized in revisions. Many surgeons won't even operate on a person at that point. ________________________________ From: " Buttonjo@... " <Buttonjo@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 11:14:17 AM Subject: Re: Broken Rod  It seems there is a lot of confusion about rods breaking. I've always been told they could only break where bone fusion didn't take place. And that said, would be where the pain is. It could be re-fused in that level only. But after breaking would the procedure be just to re-fuse one vertebra? , , or moderator please correct our posts/thinking. Jolene Morell Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 My body rejected the hardware and an infection immerged 8 years after my surgery. That was how it was explained to me anyway  So, in 2007 they decided to attempt removal of the hardware, but found that most of it was fused to my spine. Rather than leave it alone, they removed the one section which I would have never approved had I been awake. Now, another surgeon thinks that he can complete the removal and break my spine in several places to reset and straighten it. I believe I added pics of my xrays to this forums picture section if you care to take look.... Thanks for Asking, Paige From: Neta <Netali7@...> Subject: Re: Broken Rod Scoliosis Treatment Date: Thursday, December 2, 2010, 4:42 PM  From what I understand, once the fusion is cured, after about 9 months, the rods are useless. The fusion is what's holding the vertebra s in place, not the rods. The rods just there to make sure all stay aliened during the curing phase (9 months). In theory, one could have a surgery to remove the rods once it's cured. But surgeon don't touch the rods, to prevent the patient from an extra unnecessary surgery. Neta > > At my 25 year old son's bi annual check up today, the xray showed a broken rod. >He is fused T3 - L3 with 2 surgical steel rods posterior. > > > > He also has a short anterior rod done when he was 16. It curved above and below >that rod hence the longer fusion. > > > > This surgery was done 6 years ago and this is the first problem other than >chronic pain. > > > > The ortho surgeon didn't seem that concerned about the broken rod and I am >wondering what experience or problems others have had when this happens. > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 I wish I had my 2 rods and 21 pins removed; been bedridden since surgery last year, as surgeon damaged buttocks nerve and can't sit only to drs. with extra meds. ________________________________ From: Randie Meyer <taknitlite@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 7:19:28 PM Subject: Re: Re: Broken Rod  When I had a revision for unfused area, yes, they " only " refused that area. But they had to go in first thru the front, then thru the back, remove the broken portion of the rod and attach the new rod to the old. Also, since he was going in anyway, they checked my S1 disc and decided it should be fused as well. They thought it was best bc each time we're cut open it gets more difficult with more risk of comlications, so they thought it's be better than needing to fuse that one at a later date. This made the surgery become surgeries. Five days apart. I was 50 and underweight and there were some problems when he was in there. So now, 3 years later, I'm just sort of feeling better. Revision surgeries are more difficult than the original, but sometimes they have to be done. It's so important to get a surgeon who is specialized in revisions. Many surgeons won't even operate on a person at that point. ________________________________ From: " Buttonjo@... " <Buttonjo@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 11:14:17 AM Subject: Re: Broken Rod  It seems there is a lot of confusion about rods breaking. I've always been told they could only break where bone fusion didn't take place. And that said, would be where the pain is. It could be re-fused in that level only. But after breaking would the procedure be just to re-fuse one vertebra? , , or moderator please correct our posts/thinking. Jolene Morell Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2010 Report Share Posted December 8, 2010 I had something that sounds like that happen to me. My iliac screw was inserted more deeply than normal due to my thin-ness, and as a result it ended up in my joint. I went 18 months and then I had it removed, after a CT scan to be sure I was fused. I still have pain at the site, but it's nowhere near as bad. I felt like it was killing me while it was in there. I went to UCSF and saw Dr. Berven. He and his staff were amazing. ________________________________ From: Mizenko <n.mizenko@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Mon, December 6, 2010 9:53:09 PM Subject: Re: Re: Broken Rod  I wish I had my 2 rods and 21 pins removed; been bedridden since surgery last year, as surgeon damaged buttocks nerve and can't sit only to drs. with extra meds. ________________________________ From: Randie Meyer <taknitlite@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 7:19:28 PM Subject: Re: Re: Broken Rod  When I had a revision for unfused area, yes, they " only " refused that area. But they had to go in first thru the front, then thru the back, remove the broken portion of the rod and attach the new rod to the old. Also, since he was going in anyway, they checked my S1 disc and decided it should be fused as well. They thought it was best bc each time we're cut open it gets more difficult with more risk of comlications, so they thought it's be better than needing to fuse that one at a later date. This made the surgery become surgeries. Five days apart. I was 50 and underweight and there were some problems when he was in there. So now, 3 years later, I'm just sort of feeling better. Revision surgeries are more difficult than the original, but sometimes they have to be done. It's so important to get a surgeon who is specialized in revisions. Many surgeons won't even operate on a person at that point. ________________________________ From: " Buttonjo@... " <Buttonjo@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 11:14:17 AM Subject: Re: Broken Rod  It seems there is a lot of confusion about rods breaking. I've always been told they could only break where bone fusion didn't take place. And that said, would be where the pain is. It could be re-fused in that level only. But after breaking would the procedure be just to re-fuse one vertebra? , , or moderator please correct our posts/thinking. Jolene Morell Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 I had new pain after surgery for a couple of years. That particular pain seems to have dissipated. New pains now due to above and below the fusion being stressed over time. But it took a long, long time to recover from the surgery.  ~Lynda~ ________________________________ From: " Buttonjo@... " <Buttonjo@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Sat, December 11, 2010 12:38:55 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  I realize you are at the end of your rope from pain. Please realize many of us did not feel better until 12+ months post op. Doctors often can find no structual reason for our pain, but give it a little more time. If you do the lawyer thing, you will place yourself on a black list that NO doctor will touch you in the future. Are you on pain pills? Have you tried a hot tub? PT muscle work? New mattress? Is your car seat at a 45 degree angle (where the knees and hips are at the same level) ? Do you smoke? Request a pain-management doctor. If it continues see another scoliosis specialist after March if necessary. I understand you are in pain-I am not dismissing it. It is real. Healing can be very slow.- your body is being forced in a new direction after being twisted/bent for 30 years. Jolene Morell Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010  I felt that aloneness for several years after surgery. I was blown off and told I had fibromyalgia. Yeah, like I just got it directly after surgery. I don't think so. It's a serious surgery where your skin is pulled way back, your muscles cut and/or manipulated, your spine drilled, etc. Then you feel off balance. I felt like I was wearing a huge backback that kept pulling me to one side. It takes quite awhile to heal and adjust after surgery...I don't care what the elite drs say to pooh pooh our pain. ~Lynda~ ________________________________ From: c <siillyy2000@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Sun, December 12, 2010 12:15:16 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  Thank you Lida , I feel the same way . He needs to figure out why it is happeing and how to fix it . Your understanding where I am coming from makes me feel not so alone. > > Dr Suh can ponder all he likes, but the fact remains: before surgery, no > pain. After surgery, pain. That he doesnt know what nerve or area of the > body has been compromised does not mean the surgery didnt cause the pain. > > Lida in London > > > > Re: broken rod > > > > > Hi all , For those that asked , I am a 44 yr old female. I had my surgery in > Chapel Hill NC and my surgeon was Dr Suh. I saw him this week and he is > stumped as to where the pain is coming from. But he did insist that his > surgery did'nt do it . Well I did not have this before the surgery so it had > to be the surgery. > They are going to try an injection next too see if the nerve is damage , but > no one thinks it is . We asked if it could be ghost pain and he did'nt think > that was it either . I got the immpression that I was being dis missed . I'm > getting ready to find a lawyer at this point because I can't live with this > pain much longer . It's ruining my life . I was active and fit before the > surgery I had the surgery because I was starting to feel pain and was unable > to sit for more then half an hour . I wish I had not had it done . > I am getting so depressed over not being able to do anything . My husband is > in the Army so we are limited to where I can see a doctor . He is suppose to > deploy in March but it looks like he may not be able to go . This is > affecting our whole life . > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 Sounds to me like he knows he goofed and is avoiding you...  ~Lynda~ ________________________________ From: c <siillyy2000@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Sun, December 12, 2010 12:30:29 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  I have been under the care of pain managemnet since the beginning. My doctor did not want me to do PT he always said lets wait a bit . I am seeing Pt this week but because of the pain I don't think that will go well. My surgeon also says that I should be out of pain by now which is why he doesnt know what is causing it . Here are the facts , I was not in total pain when I had the surgery, I was starting feel pain thats why i had it . My 8 hr surgery took ten , I was hallenating ( ok i spelled that wrong) they entire time I was in the hospital , he sent me home after three days agaisnt the nursed and PT guys telling him I was not ready. I recall almost nothing of the hospital the ride home or the first three days of being home. We were sent home with no after care instructions, and only 5 mg of percoet and no pain managemt, my husband had to track someone down on base to help. As for being black listed bein military I can always use the base doctors the reason I had it off base was because as a general rule surgery in only done on active duty on base . I have a sleep number bed that adjusts to what I need . hot tub out of the questions because I can not lean back or sit up . even laying down is painful . They are going to try a injection soon but they dont think that will help . I cannot drive nor sit in the car I have to lay in the back seat . I should also mention that it is my left side only but I have had numbness in my right foot fromm the beginning and he has dismissed it from day one. Also he moved the date of my sugery because he was going out of the country , he also has moved almost every other appointment for the same reason . I ended up with thrush when i came home from the hospital and part of my wound would not close so I had a rather large infected hole at my tailbone for 5 months which he also dismissed . I do understand that you are trying to help and cut him some slack but until I feel better I won't . Also I was getting better I was able to drive go shopping and alll those things I just could not lift anything . Then the pain came , then it came more and then I could no longer mover at all without crying , so my theroy is screw him he wont listen so maybe a lawyer will make him . But thank you for listening -- In Scoliosis Treatment , Buttonjo@... wrote: > > I realize you are at the end of your rope from pain. Please realize many > of us did not feel better until 12+ months post op. Doctors often can > find no structual reason for our pain, but give it a little more time. If you > do the lawyer thing, you will place yourself on a black list that NO > doctor will touch you in the future. Are you on pain pills? Have you tried a > hot tub? PT muscle work? New mattress? Is your car seat at a 45 degree > angle (where the knees and hips are at the same level) ? Do you smoke? Request > a pain-management doctor. > If it continues see another scoliosis specialist after March if > necessary. I understand you are in pain-I am not dismissing it. It is real. > Healing can be very slow.- your body is being forced in a new direction after > being twisted/bent for 30 years. > > Jolene Morell > Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ > (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 The surgery you had needs a LOT of recovery time. It's possible that because of leaving the hospital so soon and not knowing what to avoid, etc, once you were home, you may have overdone. Of course it's also possible that something went wrong. But in my experience (I've had 5 surgeries in 5 yrs) they won't be able to evaluate until at least a year has passed. I actually did have something wrong after my 4th surgery--a screw had been inserted into my iliac joint--and my pain was also going in the wrong direction. After 5 weeks I was ordered to total bed rest because I could barely walk. I had a feeling a screw was involved just bc of how the pain was and since I'd already been through the surgery before, I knew that it didn't feel right. But I was also told that my pain " should be better and I should be off the meds " but that wasn't how it was. It took me traveling 1600 miles a year later to see my original surgeon, the one who did my 1st 2 surgeries, to find out about the screw. 18 months later I had it removed, after they made sure my fusion had taken, and that was done by yet another surgeon in SF. Now, a year after that, I still have problems in the area but it's not as bad. My point is, they can't really know what's going on until you've more or less healed from the surgery to tell what pain(s) shouldn't be there. Do a lot of research on post-surgical care, and do that. Let your body rest and reccuperate and maybe you'll feel better. Like Jolene said, it takes at least a year to recover. You should not drive or maybe even ride in the car until you feel better. But in the mean time, I'd try to find a different Dr. who is willing to see you and listen to you and do a proper post-surgical eval. ________________________________ From: Lynda <justlynda59@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Sun, December 12, 2010 2:01:45 PM Subject: Re: Re: broken rod  Sounds to me like he knows he goofed and is avoiding you...  ~Lynda~ ________________________________ From: c <siillyy2000@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Sun, December 12, 2010 12:30:29 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  I have been under the care of pain managemnet since the beginning. My doctor did not want me to do PT he always said lets wait a bit . I am seeing Pt this week but because of the pain I don't think that will go well. My surgeon also says that I should be out of pain by now which is why he doesnt know what is causing it . Here are the facts , I was not in total pain when I had the surgery, I was starting feel pain thats why i had it . My 8 hr surgery took ten , I was hallenating ( ok i spelled that wrong) they entire time I was in the hospital , he sent me home after three days agaisnt the nursed and PT guys telling him I was not ready. I recall almost nothing of the hospital the ride home or the first three days of being home. We were sent home with no after care instructions, and only 5 mg of percoet and no pain managemt, my husband had to track someone down on base to help. As for being black listed bein military I can always use the base doctors the reason I had it off base was because as a general rule surgery in only done on active duty on base . I have a sleep number bed that adjusts to what I need . hot tub out of the questions because I can not lean back or sit up . even laying down is painful . They are going to try a injection soon but they dont think that will help . I cannot drive nor sit in the car I have to lay in the back seat . I should also mention that it is my left side only but I have had numbness in my right foot fromm the beginning and he has dismissed it from day one. Also he moved the date of my sugery because he was going out of the country , he also has moved almost every other appointment for the same reason . I ended up with thrush when i came home from the hospital and part of my wound would not close so I had a rather large infected hole at my tailbone for 5 months which he also dismissed . I do understand that you are trying to help and cut him some slack but until I feel better I won't . Also I was getting better I was able to drive go shopping and alll those things I just could not lift anything . Then the pain came , then it came more and then I could no longer mover at all without crying , so my theroy is screw him he wont listen so maybe a lawyer will make him . But thank you for listening -- In Scoliosis Treatment , Buttonjo@... wrote: > > I realize you are at the end of your rope from pain. Please realize many > of us did not feel better until 12+ months post op. Doctors often can > find no structual reason for our pain, but give it a little more time. If you > do the lawyer thing, you will place yourself on a black list that NO > doctor will touch you in the future. Are you on pain pills? Have you tried a > hot tub? PT muscle work? New mattress? Is your car seat at a 45 degree > angle (where the knees and hips are at the same level) ? Do you smoke? Request > a pain-management doctor. > If it continues see another scoliosis specialist after March if > necessary. I understand you are in pain-I am not dismissing it. It is real. > Healing can be very slow.- your body is being forced in a new direction after > being twisted/bent for 30 years. > > Jolene Morell > Shop online at _www.InheritedButtons.com_ > (http://www.inheritedbuttons.com/) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2011 Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 Can you file suit (which I didn't do even to my regular back surgeon), when he THOUGHT I had Transverse Myelitis & never took a spinal cord stimulator out with calling in a neurosurgeon, until after he returned from Holiday vacation (2 wks) & finally he odered it done Dec. 30th & I was put in an MRI machine inwhich I had TM,. My right leg was paralyzed at 1st, but after he sent me out of the hospital for his vacation my left leg was pralyzed, in P.T. which how was physical therapy ordered for me w/ EMG already showing no nerve responses or nothing. He royally messed up - big error which he new TM could only have 12 days to reverse itself & he never ordered anything to be taken out for an MRI as it had magnetic leads long ago early 90's from a neck injury. Then, 3 years later diagnosed w/ same back dr. (scoliosis showed on x-rays for 1st time ever). He didn't do the BIG LONG surgeries, but sent me 3 doors down to a partner dr. in the same office, who met my husband & I & said it would ONLY GET WORSE, spending approx. 10 minutes with us. I thought he was irrogant, but my husband didn't see him that way & who else would do it - few surgeons will mess w/ someone who has previous back surgery (L5/S1). I was paralyzed but left in burning feet pain & stabbing nerve/spasms in legs from TM already. I didn't feel good about this man & put it off for 9 mths. Finally, feeling like no one else would touch me since I had Transverse Myelitis & already fused at last level, I said ok. WHAT A MISTAKE - should have gone by my original feelings on this man. I almost died twice in ICU following a 12 hr. surgery, with bones, 2 rods & 21 pins put in me. My husband was told twice she might not live thru the night. I was put out for the first 2 weeks as w/ a respirator w/ trach done, double pneumonia, white count of 80,000, & kidney failure w/ nephro tubes put in me. I LIVED, but was told by both back drs. GOD SAVED YOU: YOU ARE A MIRACLE - they said I have never seen anyone make it thru to live w/ what happened to you. 3 1/2 weeks later, my urologist redid my urostomy after IT WAS IGNORED IN THE SCOLIOSIS SURGERY BY THEM, and he said the urine had backed up into my abdomen, 2 liters of fluid and pus was drained & an abcess was then found from it. 2 weeks out of it again in ICU for 3 months total, also 2nd surgery showed my colon was distended & a surgeon called in to remove 5 " of it. Then, after stabilized sent to another hospital, as they told me had better LTAC to get me off respirator. THAT is when IV pain meds. were decreased & IV steroids were d/c'd & then I felt for the 1st time I told a night nurse, my bottom hurts. She said " oh, probably hemmoroids " . NO, at least 3 drs. have done the hemmoroid check & said your problem to me is nerve pain. I've been bedridden 14 months except for dr. appts. when I can make it. I have enough meds. swallowed that I'm sure my liver is damaged. I went to Baylor Rehab. & rehab. there was good when I was paralyzed, having left a rehab. here due to night nurses and tech. abusing me. I prayed dear GOD give me an answer - I awoke and BAYLOR came to my mind as soon as I opened my eyes, but my morphine pump went dry, as quote the dr. said " We've checked all over Dallas & there is NO ONE to fill your pump. "  I had been on one from a neck injury from unknown driver hitting me in 1987, which took 5 years to dx back then I went to the World's Largest Spinal Institute finally, & they did a different test showing 3 cracked discs. 3 years back & forth, 2 surgeries w/ a screw in one to keep disc in place. But the 5 yr. of chronic pain didn't break, SCS first for neck - didn't work - so my pain dr. who truly cared for me for 14 yrs. had put the morphine pump in me; which I got to where I didn't need increase & when that battery ran out; just a reservoir m. pump replaced as it would save me trips back & forth. That was the one to go empty at BAYLOR!! I said nothing except called a dr. once pump was allowed to go dry & asked if it was possible to change drs. She had said " You call me ANTTIME & I will do my best to help you. "  Within like 2 days or so, I was told a very good dr. who was not condenscending, negative dr., who wouldn't stick his dirty cowboy boots on my bed each morning to knock down any even simple question asked, and indeed overbearing - I received an excellent change of my main dr. She was great & found I had a blood clot in each lung, & several in legs. She said, after having gone thru strenous exercise to strenghten my arms by the other dr., with her test ordered & clots found, I would not get out of bed for NO reason, IV herparin around the clock for 2 weeks in bed & blood clotting tests given to my veins ea. morn. I was FINALLY taken care of. I'm sorry I went back that far where from then til now I remain no longer w/ neck pain, but rectal pain that has skyrocketed since I left the hospital Feb. 2009, & the Scoliosis bragged to me how good of a job he did w/ a mess of nerves - he should have called in a neurosurgeon I feel, but I live with severe & excruiating rectal pain daily & he said to me " I've done my job - I'm a surgeon only " ! In other words, he was saying " SO LONE " . After I repeatedly said " I never had rectal pain til after that surgery!!! He sent me back to his fellow back surgeon saying " You seem to have a good repoire w/ him " & that was his follow-up appt. washing his hands clear of me & what I feel HE messed up! "  I was furious w/ him especially since I live in this worse pain ever & can only go to our restroom as tolerable during the day. Oh, how I wish I could move back the clock & my life be better than it is so awful now. My military husband is my sole caregiver, but I have lost from size 24 (from steroids pumped IV in me to a 14 in pants, I can wear evcen a medium shirt now. So sorry for my novel. I don't know where to turn for help. A new set of eyes & traveling too far I just can't sit on that damaged nerve!!! Thanks if you get thru this!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ________________________________ From: <tzu2u@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Wed, December 22, 2010 3:00:41 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  I am so sorry this has happened to you. Absolutely, keep MAKING them pursue this! I used to work in the O.R. and know well what this procedure entails! Always wondered how people LIVED after all that was done to them! Now it is my turn - soon. Anyway, mistakes ARE made in surgery and it may be the surgeon does NOT know the cause, but this does not let him go of the responsibility to find OUT the cause. If it was a mistake he made, he should own up to it. After a test or two, I would seriously consider ANOTHER Dr to do a consult. Not always a good idea to trust the fox thats been in the henhouse! Good luck - and know that prayers are sent your way > > > > Dr Suh can ponder all he likes, but the fact remains: before surgery, no > > pain. After surgery, pain. That he doesnt know what nerve or area of the > > body has been compromised does not mean the surgery didnt cause the pain. > > > > Lida in London > > > > > > > > Re: broken rod > > > > > > > > > > Hi all , For those that asked , I am a 44 yr old female. I had my surgery in > > Chapel Hill NC and my surgeon was Dr Suh. I saw him this week and he is > > stumped as to where the pain is coming from. But he did insist that his > > surgery did'nt do it . Well I did not have this before the surgery so it had > > to be the surgery. > > They are going to try an injection next too see if the nerve is damage , but > > no one thinks it is . We asked if it could be ghost pain and he did'nt think > > that was it either . I got the immpression that I was being dis missed . I'm > > getting ready to find a lawyer at this point because I can't live with this > > pain much longer . It's ruining my life . I was active and fit before the > > surgery I had the surgery because I was starting to feel pain and was unable > > to sit for more then half an hour . I wish I had not had it done . > > I am getting so depressed over not being able to do anything . My husband is > > in the Army so we are limited to where I can see a doctor . He is suppose to > > deploy in March but it looks like he may not be able to go . This is > > affecting our whole life . > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2011 Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 Sorry for my earlier email; much to detailed and long. Just desperate becuz 2 surgeons on my back have acted like they did nothing. I detest them sooo much. Good advice, but they pay more than a patient can for high power attorneys; after that is why they get away with everything of even damaging you; so what is thee attitude! ________________________________ From: <tzu2u@...> Scoliosis Treatment Sent: Wed, December 22, 2010 3:00:41 PM Subject: Re: broken rod  I am so sorry this has happened to you. Absolutely, keep MAKING them pursue this! I used to work in the O.R. and know well what this procedure entails! Always wondered how people LIVED after all that was done to them! Now it is my turn - soon. Anyway, mistakes ARE made in surgery and it may be the surgeon does NOT know the cause, but this does not let him go of the responsibility to find OUT the cause. If it was a mistake he made, he should own up to it. After a test or two, I would seriously consider ANOTHER Dr to do a consult. Not always a good idea to trust the fox thats been in the henhouse! Good luck - and know that prayers are sent your way > > > > Dr Suh can ponder all he likes, but the fact remains: before surgery, no > > pain. After surgery, pain. That he doesnt know what nerve or area of the > > body has been compromised does not mean the surgery didnt cause the pain. > > > > Lida in London > > > > > > > > Re: broken rod > > > > > > > > > > Hi all , For those that asked , I am a 44 yr old female. I had my surgery in > > Chapel Hill NC and my surgeon was Dr Suh. I saw him this week and he is > > stumped as to where the pain is coming from. But he did insist that his > > surgery did'nt do it . Well I did not have this before the surgery so it had > > to be the surgery. > > They are going to try an injection next too see if the nerve is damage , but > > no one thinks it is . We asked if it could be ghost pain and he did'nt think > > that was it either . I got the immpression that I was being dis missed . I'm > > getting ready to find a lawyer at this point because I can't live with this > > pain much longer . It's ruining my life . I was active and fit before the > > surgery I had the surgery because I was starting to feel pain and was unable > > to sit for more then half an hour . I wish I had not had it done . > > I am getting so depressed over not being able to do anything . My husband is > > in the Army so we are limited to where I can see a doctor . He is suppose to > > deploy in March but it looks like he may not be able to go . This is > > affecting our whole life . > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2011 Report Share Posted January 2, 2011 Hi " C siillyy2000 " ... While reading through some email I saw your post about your husband being in the army and therefore being limited as to doctors you can see. I may be able to make a suggestion. W. Polly, Jr., MD was a Scoliosis Spinal Surgeon at Walter Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; but, has since retired from the army, and is now in private practice (Dr. Polly was and still a member of the Scoliosis Research Society (www.srs.org)). He may be able to make a referral (or a suggestion) to a spinal surgeon still in the army. I found his information on the Scoliosis Research Society web site and it is as follows: W. Polly, Jr., MD University of Minnesota Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 2450 Riverside Avenue S., R200 Minneapolis, MN 55454 Phone: (612) 273-7951 Fax: (612) 273-7959 Hope this helps!! S. Re: broken rod Hi all , For those that asked , I am a 44 yr old female. I had my surgery in Chapel Hill NC and my surgeon was Dr Suh. I saw him this week and he is stumped as to where the pain is coming from. But he did insist that his surgery did'nt do it . Well I did not have this before the surgery so it had to be the surgery. They are going to try an injection next too see if the nerve is damage , but no one thinks it is . We asked if it could be ghost pain and he did'nt think that was it either . I got the immpression that I was being dis missed . I'm getting ready to find a lawyer at this point because I can't live with this pain much longer . It's ruining my life . I was active and fit before the surgery I had the surgery because I was starting to feel pain and was unable to sit for more then half an hour . I wish I had not had it done . I am getting so depressed over not being able to do anything . My husband is in the Army so we are limited to where I can see a doctor . He is suppose to deploy in March but it looks like he may not be able to go . This is affecting our whole life . > > I had my surgery on march 4th and I am still in pain. My left side from the back of my ribs to the front . 'they are doing tests but the can't figure out why I'm in pain. > Right now I am still on percocet , celebrex, garbapintin , and ativan . The pain at times is so unbearable!!! > They are going to try injections next and maybe surgery to kill the nerve they think it is . My surgeon also says it could be a hardware problem and we might have to discuss removing them. NOw my recovery was very long and hard and I'm not sure I would go thru with a removeal . If I knew then what I knew now I'm not sure I would even have the first surgery . > The surgery has done more harm then good I'm unable to do anything at all . Just a warning to those yet to have it . Think long and hard before you take the step > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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