[Avocado Baby]

Hi

I had a spinal fusion up to T8 in Feb 2007 but my kyphosis above it has worsened since and I have mid thoracic lordosis. I've been getting increasing neck pain and really bad migrane headaches since, but my spinal consultant doesn't seem very interested. So...I'm going to be referred to another one who I have seen privately a couple of times for a 2nd opinion.

He has basically said that he would fuse me to T2 from the sacrum and try to straighten me out. I really do feel I need to be 'unravelled' because my middle feels squashed, my neck hurts and I get horrendous headaches, but I'm worried about how much mobility and function I might lose if I was fused that high. I'm currently quite independent. I live alone and can do most things myself.

Does anyone else have a fusion this high? If so, can you please tell me what impact is has on your movement.

Thanks!!

[Ches]

I have rods from t2-to t7 I think.. somwhere around there. If its going to help you in the long run I would def consider it. I am limited in certain twist and reaching behind me..I have to think about the way I use my shoulders or else Ill end up with sharp muscle pains, Im scanning my brain trying to think how else this has affected me with R.O.M. my lower neck and T1 do have some tension, but its nothing the massage therapist cant work out for me. If you already have rods or a fusion below you should be pretty familiar with the restrictions that come with.

Are you planning on getting one complete fusion or something seperate up top?

I dont think it will impair your ability to live independently at this point in your life, maybe later. But thats just a chance, there's no way of saying.

[jass1]

I'm T10 -12 I have no problems

[Avocado Baby]

Ches, on Mar 5 2009, 02:54 AM, said:

I have rods from t2-to t7 I think.. somwhere around there. If its going to help you in the long run I would def consider it. I am limited in certain twist and reaching behind me..I have to think about the way I use my shoulders or else Ill end up with sharp muscle pains, Im scanning my brain trying to think how else this has affected me with R.O.M. my lower neck and T1 do have some tension, but its nothing the massage therapist cant work out for me. If you already have rods or a fusion below you should be pretty familiar with the restrictions that come with.

Are you planning on getting one complete fusion or something seperate up top?

I dont think it will impair your ability to live independently at this point in your life, maybe later. But thats just a chance, there's no way of saying.

Thanks.

Yhe consultant is considering extending the fusion from T8 to T2 o it would be one continous fusion. I just don't want to make my pain worse!!

[Jax]

I am bolted from T10 to pelvis due to pulling the screws out of L4 after the first surgery (popped the top off L4 like an old bottle cap). It is one continuous fusion. There are some limits, but not so much to mobility. It's more of a comfort problem, as there is NO flex and not much twist at all. I get around fine, but it's a bit difficult to turn over in bed sometimes, and I had to completely change my chair back setup. I used to use the standard adjustable upholstery, but after the second surgery, I had to switch to a J3 back, as the regular upholstery did not tension up enough for any real support. Of course, I now have decent posture, as my mother likes to joke that it's about time I stop slouching... Other than the chairback change and the lack of twist, it's not that bad for me. I understand that yours is going to be much higher, so it will be a bit different for you. It will require some changes in how you do certain things. The one thing I have to do differently now is getting dressed. I changed the cushion material in the J3 back to something denser, and it is more comfortable to me now. The cushion foam that came in it was fairly weak, and caused some pain until I changed it out. Over all, it's like Ches said; it will mostly affect R.O.M.

[cubanito_016]

I have those screws from t2-t8 and it cold be uncoftable

[lil jo]

Hey Pink Ali,
My injury is T3-5 and have rods and screws a bit above and a bit below. Anyway, I don't have too many restrictions...I do have constant pain in my shoulders, but not too bad, it is bearable, but I think that just comes w/ back surgery. I as well as Ches, can't twist around as I used to, but it's not a big deal. I would think you may lose a bit, but could still be quite independent as myself and a lot of us others are. I hope all turns out well for you. Take care and have a great day.
Amy

[Avocado Baby]

lil jo, on Mar 6 2009, 08:09 PM, said:

Hey Pink Ali,
My injury is T3-5 and have rods and screws a bit above and a bit below. Anyway, I don't have too many restrictions...I do have constant pain in my shoulders, but not too bad, it is bearable, but I think that just comes w/ back surgery. I as well as Ches, can't twist around as I used to, but it's not a big deal. I would think you may lose a bit, but could still be quite independent as myself and a lot of us others are. I hope all turns out well for you. Take care and have a great day.
Amy

Thanks for the replies1

I currently have the pain in my right shoulder...and not the left but it extends up into my neck and the muscle that goes up to behind your ear. The biggest problem is the headaches cos I have an almost constant pain behind my eyes, knda of stinging/stabbing and when it gets particularly bad, the whole of my head throbs and it makes me physically sick. That's what I really want to overcome.

Your input as to how if affects you mobility-wise is greatly appreciated!