Scoliosis Harrington rod and additional fusions in adult years

Posted by peggy87 @peggy87, Aug 10, 2023

I am 53 years old, had Harrington rod for severe scoliosis about 40 years ago (from T3-T12). Had cervical spine fusion of C7-T1 a few years ago. Now facing extension of rod from T12-S1 along with fusion of SI joints at the same time. In addition, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which creates some issues due to having to hold meds for surgery.
Has anyone else had this done? I am trying to understand the life altering movement challenges afterward (and anything else I should know beforehand) and would love some feedback. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Aug 13, 2023

@peggy87 I would like to welcome you to Connect. Having had extensive spine surgery as a child must have been difficult for you. I'm sorry that you need to go through further surgery now. I found other discussions about Harrington Rods and SI fusion where you can read the experiences of other members. They haven't been active for awhile, but if you post there, you may find members with similar experiences. I am a spine surgery patient and had a cervical fusion 7 years ago.

Spine Health- "Harrington Rod and lower back pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/harrington-rod-and-lower-back-pain/
There is also this discussion about Harrington Rods and complications:

Spine Health- "Harrington rods and complications"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/harrington-rods-and-complications/
Bones Joins and Muscles Group - "SI Joint Fusion"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/si-joint-fusion/
Jennifer