22 years after Harrington Rod Surgery

[bxback]

It's been 22 years since I've had my Harrington Rod Surgery.  I am 36 years old, female, two children and never experienced any major problem until now.  I recently began to experience a lot of shooting pain down my left leg.  Upon visiting a chiropractor and taking xrays, he found that my spine is about two inches out of alignment, causing tremendous stress to my hip and leg.  I am now consumed with fear about my future.  Does this mean that surgery may have to be considered? Is there a real possibility that I could end up disabled or crippled in my senior years.  I feel extremely limited in my physical capabilities (no bending, no lifting), but if my spine gets worse what type of future should I be preparing for?  At what point does having spinal limitations constitute it being a "disability" that is recognized by your workplace and by the government for special assistance?

[EricRflatback]

Hi,
I had 2 surgeries done as a teen.
1) for SPONDYLOLYTHESIS: They grafted my hip bone to for missing bone in my lower spine vertabrae's
2) Scoliosis: 48 degree curvature required a Harrington rod and a really LONG recovery.
Now I am 41. I am generally in good shape and even work out. Yet I have the symptoms of severe FLATBACK SYNDROME. As the day gets longer, the more my body leans forward and everyone says I walk really weirdly.
As far as pain...I go from very minor to very severe pain at different periods. I take Tramadol (300mg, slow release and 10mg Valium, regularly. I am quite certain that, if I don't have the Harrington removed and the flatback corrected, I will experience REAL problems that will be harder to fix, as I get older. Can anyone relate to this story or give advice...I live in Israel (Although the teen stuff was done in Montreal, where I grew up), where medical procedures are very advanced and have had different solutions from different doctors.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
A surgery done 22yrs. back that showed no complications ever may not be the cause of the present symptoms of  pain down the leg. A spine problem may be the cause. Please go for an MRI spine and consult a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. Please do not lose heart. Surgery may correct the problems of the spine. Please discuss the treatment  and physiotherapy option with the neurologist. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[mermaid540]

Hi

I know exactly how you feel, my harringtons where taken out 15 years ago, I am 36 two daughters and was recently involved in a MVA.  If you would like to chat my email is joanne_maid71***@****.