Posted by karen I am 42 years old. I had a two spinal fusions when I was 13 and 14 at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. I survived two years in the back brace, three months of traction in the hospital, the actual surgery, two weeks in the half cast, six months bed ridden in the body cast, six months of a half back brace....And then, a repeat. I never really had a problem until 1986 when I was pregnant. I was eight months pregnant. Apparantly, I had strained my back. I was in the ER, my doctor was frantic, I was in a lot of back pain and they thought it was labor. It wasn't until it happened again several years later that I realized how painful it is to strain or sprain your back. The pain is intense for three days then gradually decreases. It happens about twice a year. Years later after the surgery I have strange pains which at times are so sharp and quick its like being stabbed. There is numbness in parts of my chest and back which the sensation never returned. I guess I am just used to the pain that I accept on a daily basis. I take Aleve for the pain. I don't see a doctor or chiropractor. I just accept the pain and deal with it. Perhaps I should make an appointment. I now am concerned about the next forty years. I don't know anyone else who has had a post 30 year spinal fusion or what to expect. What about menopause and calcium supplements and osteoprosis? Do any of the websights address these issues?
on 5/1/2004, 2:07 pm
64.12.117.14
Hi Beth
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