4 replies to this topic

[wheelchairguy]

Hi,

I was originally paralyzed at T7 in 1986. My original rods were harrington rods. After 15 years I had to have them replaced as just below the anchor screws my back was in so much pain because it appeared my spine had broken/healed over and over. This causes a massive starburst structure of calcium that was very painful. I was out for 14 hours while the removed the rods and cleaned up for the new rods anchored at L2. Now 10 years later I have to have a similar surgery all over again, only this time L3 has been completely destroyed. I can and the doctors, only imagine it was caused by transfers and the like. I have seen 4 dr.'s. and they all say they have never seen anything like this. The issue is with the upcoming surgery. Because of all the calcium that was around my aorta from the first incident, the surgeon who moves the organs out of the way through the front does not believe they can move aside the aorta for the surgeon to come through the front to place the cages for stabilization. So, the dr.'s are suggesting just going through the back. the drawback is they will have to cut out about a 4 to 6 inch section of nerves so they can have he access they need. My injury is complete at T7. I have no use of anything below my level of injury. Over the years I have also lost all spasticity. I sometimes feel a tingling in my legs a pressure on my butt from sitting. This surgery would be less time under and faster recovery, but the thought of having nerves cut out bothers me. Even though nothing works. Has anyone had nerves removed? I would love to hear others thoughts on this.

I thank you so much in advanced.

Nervous in Texas.

Mark

[TJT]

That's a tough one.I guess the key is to have a clear focus on the outcome. Can they give you good odds of - pain free and a stable back? Did they say cut the spinal cord or just move it aside with possible further damage? Which approach gives you the best likelihood of a long term fix?

[Apparelyzed]

Sounds like you're between a rock and a hard place on this one.

All I can add is that by your description, you have some sensory sparing, and although it may not seem that useful, it will give you a subconscious warning of when you need to pressure lift.

Without that early warning, you may be more susceptible to pressure sores, so will need to change your pressure relief regime.

Simon.

[wheelchairguy]

TJT, on 04 January 2012 - 06:00 AM, said:

That's a tough one.I guess the key is to have a clear focus on the outcome. Can they give you good odds of - pain free and a stable back? Did they say cut the spinal cord or just move it aside with possible further damage? Which approach gives you the best likelihood of a long term fix?

Thank you for responding. I still have questions for the Dr.'s. However, the Dr. did say that since you are a complete injury, you will see no difference in you ability. They are or will remove the nerves that extends from the spinal cord, not actually the spinal cord. Yes, they will/would be cutting out a portion to gain access that they need. My back at L3 -L2 is a mess. I forgot to mention this, but there is a baseball to softball size sac of fluid where L3 should be. The Dr.'s did say that there is a possibility that the spinal sac would have to be tied off if this fluid is spinal fluid. I really am just trying to get thoughts from others as this is a big thing to me (the surgery).

Thank you again for responding.

Mark

Apparelyzed, on 04 January 2012 - 11:16 AM, said:

Sounds like you're between a rock and a hard place on this one.

All I can add is that by your description, you have some sensory sparing, and although it may not seem that useful, it will give you a subconscious warning of when you need to pressure lift.

Without that early warning, you may be more susceptible to pressure sores, so will need to change your pressure relief regime.

Simon.

I sure feel like I am between a rock and a hard place. I was thinking what you mentioned about the sensory sparing. This is going to be a tough decision for me.

Thank you very much for responding.

Mark

[wheeliebear75]

I am between a DIFFERENT "rock & hard place" that place being that I'm trying desperately to AVOID surgery especially since I'm diabetic & quite prone to infections, & not to mention all the "horror stories" I've heard from you & others who have had back surgeries...it's not always a "cure" for back troubles. I'm sorry that I don't have any "advice" for you. I do feel for ya though being in such a predicament. Hope you find the answers you need along with a better surgeon AND that this will be the LAST TIME you have to have your rods replaced.