spinal fusion screws removed?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jenj770
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jenj770

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Are spinal fusion screws in time removed? That is new info. for me. So it's really two surgeries, I guess. I'm actually having second thoughts hearing how difficult the surgery is and how very long it takes to recover, and even then not completely pain free. Has anyone had success with this surgery?
 
Jen, LOTS of people have success with this surgery. They're back at work full time and out living their lives, so you won't hear much from them here on the board. MOST people have a successful outcome with this surgery.

Some people do need to eventually have their hardware out, but many people just keep it in with no problems whatsoever. I had one piece of mine out from my last fusion, but all the rest is still in there and we have no plans to ever take it out.

If you need this surgery, don't let us scare you off from it. It is a big surgery with a long recovery time, but if it gives you the relief that it should, it will be worth every second! I don't regret my surgeries at all, and if I had to go back and make the decisions again, I would definitely still have them.

If you have specific questions, we'll try to help.

Take care,
Emily
 
Thanks Emily for shedding some hopeful light. I just did some more research and was beginning to think I might try PT again instead of the surgery. One thing I still wonder abut is artifical disc replacement instead of fusion. My sister had this surgery and she was very happy with it. Anyone here go this route? It seems to me that some of the problems are caused by the hardware itself.

Jen
 
Hi Jen ~

Surgery should only be entered into as a last resort. It is almost always done for pain relief. If you are able to live with your pain, I would suggest you exhaust all the other options first!

On the other hand, if you need surgery, most people get along well and have good results. Also, different specialists have different approaches to the same problem, so you may want to get several opinions.
 
I had this surgery done 3 and 1/2 years ago and everything to date has been excellent. They do not remove any of the screws or roRAB unless somethings breaks or it is causing the patient excruitiating pain. Mine has only caused minor pain and i recovered relatively fast. Although every recovery depenRAB on the patient and it can vary. I had the surgery for scoliosis and if thats why you need it then I would listen to the doctor if the suggest it. It is along extensive surgery but in the end its better because if not taken care of it can cause problems with other vital organs. I wish you the best of luck with your decision.
 
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