Question for anyone whose had rods put in their back

[SamRoc]

My friend had surgery the other day to put 2 rods in her back and to have a bone graft. Of course the doctors tell her one thing about recovery time, and everyone is different. But was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this and what the recuperation was like. Thanks!

 

[Mickeyistheman]

My mother had this done twice in her lifetime.

The first was right after I was born 32 years ago. She had to wear a body cast for a year.

Then about 10 years ago she had to have the rod removed and they fused her spine with about 47 screws and other things.

She was AMAZING in her recovery time that even the Dr.'s were shocked. She went in the record books.

Its not an easy process and can take a long time, I'm talking months here.

I wish your friend much luck and hope they heal well and fast.

 

[JessicaR]

Recovery depends on how invasive the surgery was.

I had a 360 degree lumbar fusion. Anterior/Posterior. Rods as well as other instrumentation. I didn't heal for over a year. It was a slow process. Mine was for Spondylolisthesis and was very successful.

Recovery was in stages that progressed slowly. I had restrictions but no braces and no PT.

What was the reason for surgery and how was the procedure performed?

 

[arminnie]

A friend from work had it done. She was older (about 40). She was out of work (desk job) for 8 months.

They basically took her spine apart and put it back together with the rod. The surgery took hours and hours.

The good news is that she had been in much better health since then.

 

[SamRoc]

Thank you everyone for your responses. My friend had a car accident a few years ago and has had back pain for a long time. She had 2 rods put in as well as a bone graft. She had it done tuesday and not sure how long she will be in the hospital for. But she will be wearing a back brace and going through physical therapy. Shes using the morphine pump in the hospital now. We dont know anyone else who has had this done. i guess since everyone responds differently the recuperation time will vary. I think her surgery took about 5 hours.

 

[arminnie]

My friend's surgery was needed because of severe scoliosis (not treated during childhood). Her lung and heart functions were being compromised because of the severe curvature. I don't think your friend's surgery would be quite as complicated so hopefully she can recover quicker.