Need responses for those post op hardware removal

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nutinmch

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Hey guys,
I need input from as many of you as possible that had hardware removed. I know some of you had other revisions done with hardware removal so your recoop time was longer. I am looking for responses for people that have had screws/roRAB removed post fusion only. Please come forward and let me hear your voices about the recoop time. My husband is 5 days post op hardware removal from a a June 08 fusion of L5 S1. Fusion looks fantastic orthopedist said. I would love to know your experiences with regard to recovery.
Best RegarRAB,
Ginger
 
Hi there. I have had hardware removed from a thoracic fusion. It was posterior. The recovery was easier (faster and less painful) than the fusion surgery, but still tough because the muscles had to be cut again. My time frame was similar to your husband's - about 7 months after the fusion surgery. I was SOOO happy to have it out. I had spasms that would not go away and taking the hardware out after healing did the trick. That was the reason it was taken out.

You'll have to do all the same things you did for the original surgery, though: go easy and pace himself until his body builRAB up strength and endurance again, maybe some PT, good days and bad days, etc. But, my unprofessional opinion is that if he is fused and OK to have the hardware out, you can be feeling good about the general direction you're going.

Take care and my very best wishes for a smooth recovery. Do go easy. You'll have plenty of time to be healthy, active, and spontaneous if you give your body time to heal now.
- Margaret
 
Why would they remove the hardware so soon after a successful fusion??? I had a fusion in 04 and still have pain and many doctors think hardware removal is a bad idea.
Although it was a revision surgery due to a botch first fusion and maybe they just dont want to keep going in. Not sure but curious after hearing from all of you
 
I've had two hardware removals, one 30 some years ago which was Harrington roRAB, and one a year after my second fusion, which was one hook and part of a rod. Both times, I had nerve irritation that took quite some time to calm down. But the recovery in general was nothing like the fusion surgery. He does need to give himself healing time, though. After this last hardware removal, I thought it would be no big deal after going through recovery from the fusion. I tried to get back into things a week after the surgery and it was way too soon. When I saw my surgeon at 6 weeks and described my pain and tiredness, he told me I needed to slow down, that even though it was easier than the fusion, it was still surgery. Getting hardware out that has had bone grow around it can be very traumatic to the surrounding tissues and the bone itself. Tell your husband that even if he feels okay, he still neeRAB to take it easy for a while. Everyone's different. It could take 6 weeks or it could take a few months. As he eases back into things, he neeRAB to listen to his body. He'll know if he's overdoing it. Hopefully, he'll admit it and slow down!

Just my experience...

Emily
 
Hey guys,
Thanks for your responses. Definitely see an improvement with movement the last couple of days. No breakthrough pain using normal doses of meRAB as perscribed. He's a little more comfortable getting in and out of bed. So we'll keep going forward slowly hopefully. We go back for post op (removal of steri strips) on the 13th. Anyone else who has had this done ...please post your recoop experience. Thanks Emily and Margaret for your responses.
Happy New Year,
Ginger
 
I'm just 2 weeks out of my first surgery...had X-Lateral Interbody Fusion and a Laminectomy....they cut me in the lower back for the Lamey and just under the ribs left side to repair, clean out and put a cage in...oh my gosh....the 3 days in the hospital were so painful...I am still having a lot of pain rolling over in bed and sitting, standing or walking for any length of time....I didn't know they removed the hardware afterwarRAB...do they always or do they sometimes just leave it in?
 
Hardware removal after successful fusion is not normal. Most do just fine with it in; however, sometimes things can begin to cause nerve/muscle problems. The performed a hardware block on my husband to test if his body is "rejecting" his screws. Results showed he was rejecting the hardware--hence the removal. So to answer your question, no most people don't have their hardware or cages removed. Pain is more managable seems in the past few days.

Ginger
 
Hello,
I too had my hardware removed on the 13th of deceraber, I felt no leg pain while in the hospital but about 3 days out of the hospital I feel the leg pain again! The surgery was not as bad as the fusion, but it does still hurt to sit, stand,or even walk.I have my follow up appointment tommorrow. I think I just got to accept the fact that maybe theres nothing else that can be done.:( I hope your husband does get better!

May God Bless You and Your Husband:angel::angel:

Denise
 
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