Anyone experience the removal of rods after spinal fusion?

[arawlings]

My daughter was involved in a car accident in Jan 05, she was 15 years old at the time, she had her L4, L5 fused, and was told she would be fine after she healed.  However she has been experiencing back pain, and her legs will not go straight out when in a sitting position, the doctor says that her hamstrings are tight, and she needs to stretch them out.  She has been doing stretch exercises for 2 years now with no sign of improvements, the pain is getting worse and she is getting cortisone shots in her back every 3 weeks, until she is scheduled for surgery to have the rods removed. Now she is starting to experience pain after the injections, she is 18 years old and misses so much school due to pain, does anyone have any suggestions

[jul735]

I too had a spinal fusion for scoliosis. Most of my spine is fused. I had the surgery in 97. For over a year now I have not been able to work or do anything that I usually do bc of my back pain, which radiates down legs, arms and hips. I tried everything but at this point, I am not sure it is getting better. What was your post op procedures?how long did it take you to heal up, get back to walking, running,etc.. How do you compare it to the original surgery of having the rods put in? Thank you so much!

[SpencerMerlis]

Dear VMB,

Hello.   My name is Spencer.  I was curious whether you had the hardware removed from your lumbar spine back in 2009 and what the results of the surgery were.   I have a L1-L5 posterior spinal fusion due to a severe compression fracture  at L3 from injury and am contemplating removal also.

Thank you,

-Spence

[Millie48]

Did you have your rods removed and did it change your pain level. I had rods and screws put in 2 years ago and like you did fine at first. Then the complications began. My pain level is so high that unless I am medicated I can't hardly move and when I am medicated I don't feel in my body and am afraid of falling. I don't do well on the meds or off. At this point I can't see much use in living. My life has changed drastically for the worse and I see no help in sight.

[ingreatpain1983]

I had a spinal fusion in 2009. I was 27 at the time. I have 2 Harrington rods and 27 screw. From t2 to l3. See I was told by my surgeon if I did not have the surgery I would die in five years because my scoliosis curve was so severe it was going into my heart and lungs. He also mislead me and said in six months I would be perfrect. It is almost four years later and I have to see a pain management doctor twice a month I'm on loads of pain killers and have to get steroids injection in my back monthly. I am always on pain. Its kind of depressing. I don't wish this on my worst enemy. I actullay had my physical therapist who was my age at the time cry cause when she saw me she knew I was mislead by the surgeon and knew I would never be the same. God bless all of you. I wish I could remove my screws and rod but I was told that is impossible.  

[Bingolover]

I just had two titanium rods ,cages and screws put in L4,to S1 just last July and no better I will be 56 this July any suggestions !!!!I'm no better can't bend constant pain !!!

[rotton]

How have you got on since the removal?  I had my T11 to L1 fused 14 months ago and have been in severe pain ever since.  All the usual pain medication etc.  Am considering insisting on the removal of the screws etc but need some feedback
Peter