Spinal Fusion and Open Heart Surgery

March 12, 2011

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the group, so I'll give you a brief background of my story

before my question. I had my scoliosis surgery (fusion of T3-L2 with one

Harrington Rod) back in 1977 at Rainbow Babies & Children's in Cleveland

when I was 12 after wearing a Milwaukee brace for 4 years. I have had

really no problems to speak of for 30 plus years except for the aches

when the weather changes (still live in Ohio). But 4 yrs. ago this

summer I had open heart surgery for a thoracic aortic aneurysm at

Cleveland Clinic. I didn't think of it going into surgery (not that the

doctors would have paid any mind to my concerns had I said anything

anyway) but already in the ICU and for the entire time I was in the

hospital after the surgery, I could not lay on my back without being in

excruciating pain. I had to sleep sitting up in bed, leaned over the

tray table. I think the fact that they operate on you on a steel table

for several hours, combined with opening up the ribcage just made for a

perfect storm. I found out later that all the relatives of the open

heart surgery patients were told that their loved ones would be

complaining of back pain after coming out of surgery! Well for me it was

doubly true given my past back surgery. I didn't have any pain from the

operation, it was all my back. Now to my question: Has anyone else on

this list had open heart surgery subsequent to their fusion surgery? I

find now that I can't lie on my back for very long without my back

starting to hurt. I often have to sleep with a pillow under my hips and

always lay on my stomach.

March 13, 2011

Hi ....

I'm guessing from your post that you had the same spine surgeon that I had,

Clyde L. Nash, M.D. I wore a Milwaukee Brace from Thanksgiving Week of my

Sophomore year of high school (November 1975) through the beginning of my

Freshman year of college (Sept. 1978). I then wore the Milwaukee Brace at night

and a TLSO Brace during the day through my Sophomore year of college. I was at

Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital for Milwaukee Brace Training Thanksgiving

Week 1975.

I had my spinal fusion surgeries (T9 to S1) July 1996 and Sept. 1996 (second

surgery due to loose hooks) at MetroHealth Medical Center. As Harrington Rods

have not been used since about 1984, my spinal instrumentation is AcroMed, a

generic version of Texas ish Rite Hospital System Instrumentation.

Dr. Nash is now retired from surgery; however, I believe he still sees patients

in the MetroHealth Medical Center Orthopedic Clinic Spring, Summer, and Fall. My

last appointment with him was in January 2008. If it would help to see your

original surgeon, the phone number for appointments at MetroHealth is

216-778-4393. His long time administrative assistant, Jackie, may still be there

(Jackie was with Dr. Nash since his early days at Rainbow).

There are also a number of orthopedic spine doctors at the Cleveland Clinic

(both surgery and non-surgery).

I hope this helps!!

S.