Hardware Issues after L5 S1 fusion

[grandma2k3]

Has anyone experienced hardware problems after a fusion? Scheduled for surgery to have mine removed and looking for input. I'm not a doctor, but at my 3 month post op appointment, I could see that the hardware had shifted...my doctor stood there with his arms crossed staring at the x-ray. He never said anything to me about it but I saw it myself. It is one of those things...if you don't complain about discomfort, it is not an issue. I always have felt it, in the exact same spot on my back. I believe it is the tip of the screw rubbing on the inside of my skin. My operation is Wednesday and I am hopeful I will be very close to how I was before the 2 falls that got me into this predicament in the first place. Thank you for any input.

 

[BlueAtlas]

I had a hardware issue, too. I had a piece that was protruding through my back. It didn't break the skin, but it was very painful to lean back on. I had it out on the one year anniversary of my fusion.

This surgery will be much easier than the fusion, but it's still going to take a toll on you. I was naive and thought I could jump back into things as soon as the incision healed. NO! This surgery is traumatic to the bone where they have to pull out hardware (for me, it was a hook, not a screw, so it couldn't be easily twisted out) and on the tissues around it. You'll feel better after a week or so, but it will take several months to fully recover. You'll need to just take it easy and not try to do too much for a while.

I hope it goes well and you feel much better without the hardware.

Blessings,
Emily