Scheduled surgery for flat back and herniations

[Guest guest]

Hi All, this is my first post since I just found the site yesterday. My first

surgery was in 1980, at Columbia in NYC, Harrington rods. In 1984, I was a

passenger in an auto accident which caused my rods to come loose and push to the

skins surface. The doctor decided to leave the rods in until they caused pain

or were coming thru the skin. In 1991 the rods were removed with the

exception of one hook which had bone graft grown around it. On and off during

my life I have had back and neck pain but I could always push through the pain.

I have had a couple of rounds of epiderals which did not really alleviate any

pain. In 2005 I had a cervical herniation at level c5-6. It was pretty

severe, pressing against spinal cord, slowing the spinal fluid. So I had

another fusion with a plate and screws. At this time I had a herniation at

L5-S1 that was pressing on my nerve causing severe leg pain. I have had this

pain for the past 5 years but it is unbearable now! This past October I had my

first myleogram which resulted in the recommendation to repair my flat back from

the first scoliosis surgery. My vertebra are actually leaning on each other and

getting stuck which has increased my forward stand. If I try to stand up

straight I get severe pain all the way to my head! I have found a surgeon in

NYC out of Mt. Sinai Hospital. They have both been rated excellent so I am

hopeful for a successful surgery and recovery. I was wondering if anyone has

any input on what I have to deal with after I am fused from S1- L1 and my

original fusion from L2-T7. The doctor explained I will have limited motion of

my whole torso which really worries me. Even though I have had many injuries

and many days with pain I have never let it stop me and now I'm very worried

this will stop me. Any advice or knowledge would be greatly appreciated! Thank

you for this site and all the wonderful people who help others feel like their

not alone! Sincerely, Tricia