harrington rod dilema

When I was thirteen I had my spine fused using harrington rods from T5 to T12.  Before the surgery I had three curves in my spine: from top to bottom the curves measured 55, then 45, then 35.  I was not able to take all of the time to heal like the doctor had reccomended.  I didn't think the pain would get any worse until I experienced natural labor for eleven hours (this was eight years ago).  Since then the pain has increased and varies from day to day.  When I tried to figure out a way to make the pain more managable (I do realize it will not completely vanish) the doctor who helped perform the surgery wrote me off before helping stating that "everybody has back pain."  What this guy failed to realize is that I grew up on a farm and before the surgery I could chuck hay bails over my head, split wood, build barns, and put up fences all day without the need for an asprin.  I've had livestock step on me, push me over, kick me, and generally beat the tar out of me without so much as a tear from my eyes.  After I continually pushed the issue, he suggested physical therapy.  The worst physical therapy experience I had was when they used an ultrasound machine on my back.  After four years of not seeing positive results I quit going.  When I scheduled visits with my former doctor for the pain after I began physical therapy all he would do was give me a prescription for pain killers and muscle relaxers.  Thankfully, since then I have changed doctors.  I am looking for suggestions to go over with my new doctor.  I know the pain won't stop completely; the pain just needs to be tolerable during the day.  I also have no idea what the long term is like for people who have had harrington rods put in.  I had them put in when I was so young that I just did what I was told without even questioning what could happen to me in the long run and I don't know another person who has had this done.  Thanks to the net at least I can find people who have!  ANY suggestions or warnings would be greatly appreciated.