Harrington rods and complications

Sorry to hear of your problem, you need to go to a pain clinic. I live in PA, I had my surgery in 1971 in Canada. My back started hurting 10 years ago. I do 30mg of oxycodone 5 times a day. But my niece lives in AZ and she has to go to a pain management clinic to get her pain meds, it depends on which state you live in, its why I am stuck in PA, even now I can't find a doctor. And mine is going to retire soon, I have no idea what I am going to do. I am so indicted. I can't stop doing them for over 24 hours, or I get sick. I wish I never would of started them. Have you tried a tens unit. It give small electric shocks to the area and get some relieve. My old doctor told me to do pull ups, that does work by strengthen you back muscles, yoga works some what. But pull ups work the best. I did them for six months and my pain decreased by 50 percent. hope this helps some. I know what your going thou all to much.

I am going to be starting physical therapy for pain in my back from Harrington rod placement at age 15. I am 60 now. We are sort of in a dilemm with these rods. My orthopedic prescribed anti inflammatory which I can't take due to stomach upset. I would suggest for you to go to rehab to get off the Oxy. Seems we have an epidemic in the US with this and see if you can get something else. Good luck to all of us.

I had surgery for scoliosis with Harrington rod in 1978 when I was 20 years old. My curve was measured as 48 degrees and located in my thoracic spine. I have been having increasing pain above and blow my fusion for the last five years. I am being seen by a Doctor at Duke now who has been working with scoliosis patients who had surgery in early adulthood and are now having problems. First doctor to really validate my pain. I can not stand or walk longer than 10-15 minutes because of low back pain and bilateral leg pain. I hope this helps you in some way and feel free to reach out to me.

I had a fall in 1988 which led to L4-S1 fusion surgery in 1990 with stainless steel hardware. All these years later they learned that SS is not a good choice for fusions and I’m having issues above L4. I’m not keen on reliving the initial post pain again so I’ve opted to stay put with my old metal. I have 23 and 25 degree curves in lumbar and thoracic which have improved slightly over the years. Due to the twisting of the spine with scoliosis my left upper back and I are back at PT. I do love my physical therapists.

Won't give me pain pills for Feb 1st surgery. I ice and Tylenol.
Keep moving!
Water exercise helps, don't over do..

I had 12 vertebrae fused in 1961. Then in 1987 had Harrington rods put in. I am now 76 and my right leg and foot are totally numb. I am on walker and wonder if anything can be done.

@georgiaweseleybrooks - Welcome to Mayo Connect. The only way I know of to gain insight into what might be done to help your medical situation is to locate a great medical facility wth a spine department...and get their diagnosis. Lots can have happened in the last 40-50 years.

Hi @lisa7777 . I'm in a similar situation to you. Harrington rods at age 16 for similar curve. My thoracic spine is fused, so my lumbar and cervical vertebrae have to do all the bending and cushioning that would normally be done by the entire spine.

I had no issues for 35 years, even with a sporty lifestyle, then started having low back pain (lumbar, below the fusion) about 8 yrs ago. I found that pain meds didn't help much.
But... learned a lot about back care and can mostly manage the pain through spine stabilizing exercises, frequent short walks using good form, and avoidance of things that trigger pain (like lifting, twisting, bending). I found Stuart McGill's book, Back Mechanic, to be helpful for fifuring it out. He has a process for fifuring out your personal pain triggers. He also has helpful advice and illustrations about spine-friendly ways to move, sit, sleep. I am having good success with the techniques and i feel like I've gained some control over my situation. Maybe check it out.

On a personal note, I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering so much. It's hard when nothing seems to help. I get it. (Hug).

I had a fusion in 1975 just having turned 16. my curve was 64/32 with internal rotation and rib drop. Previously I had been in a Milwaukee Brace for 3 years. I was fused from T4-L2 with correction to 32/14. Harrington Rod, in bed for 2 months flat, infection and extreme bleeding during surgery. Placed in cast for 6 months, then plastic jacket for 6 months. Did well until I hit 33 and ruptured my 1st lumbar disc. Proceeded to rupture all 4 remaining bottoms. Fast forward in 2015 had my lower spine fused after developing Scoliosis. Now fused from T4 to tailbone Was doing as well as expected until about 4 months ago. I have now developed severe pain between my shoulder blades, pain in my chest and shoulders. Having a Cat Scan tomorrow. have also been diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease. Important to stay as active as possible and get Mental Therapy. Dealing with these issues are very difficult and as we know, back then we didnt get any help with how hard this is on a kid. Both my sons also had fusions at 16 and are starting to have issues but continue to hold full time jobs.

Yes, after my 2nd fusion I was put on Dilaudid after years of being on strong drugs. I had surgery at 16 and now 65. I'm off all pain medication and try to be active which isnt easy since I am fused from T4 to tailbone. Please get Mental Health Therapy. This life is hard and constant pain takes a lot out of us.