can screws be remove - Back Problems Message Board

jikimba77 · 07-17-2009, 10:29 PM

I had a back sugrey and decompression fusion of the lower lumbar i have screws in my back the pain is still crazy and i think its the screws can they be remove?and if so what can i get to replace it

tonigoodman73 · 07-18-2009, 11:27 PM

Hello Jikimba77,
My name is Toni and I two live in Suffolk. Well I also have had 360 back fusion back in July 05 with 2 rods and 8 screws. I am schedule for hardware removal on Aug. 5. My surgeon is taking my rods and screws out because I have been in alot of pain for the last 6 months. I have tried everything else (inflammatory pills, steriod injections, Etc) and nothing helped. How long ago was your fusion? They like for the hardware to stay in place for at least a year before they will even think about removing them.Are you having scaitic nerve and leg pain from the screws? I feel what you are going through. I pray that you can find some help with your pain. Let me know how things are going.
Be blessed,
Toni

duke blue · 07-21-2009, 06:04 AM

I too am thinking of having hardware removed. One level fusion L5-S1 w/three levels of decompression. Still in lots of pain. Still taking meds. Depressed. I just want some part of my life back. Before I was inured during a hysterectomy I was extremely active. I walked 4 miles a day, sang in our Civic choral and church choir, I also performed professionally. Since the injury I have become a crying, suffering, pitiful person to be around. If having the hardware removed would give me any relief at all, it might be worth it. Anybody out there with similar situation had it done??? How did it go, & did you get the outcome you were hoping for??

tonigoodman73 · 07-22-2009, 06:32 PM

Hello duke blue,
I was fused in 2005 at L5-S1. I started having problems about 6 months ago. I had SI injections done and they did not help. Then I had a MRI done to see if I had any "new" problems. I did not have anything new to show up, so I had some hardware injections done. They helped for about 3 days and it was back to level 9-10 pain. So I was sent back to the surgeon and he told me that my hardware needed to come it. It was the source of my pain. I am scheduled for surgery on Aug. 5. I am going to be in the hospital for 2-3 days and the doctor told me that recovery should be 2-3 weeks. I won't have all the limitations like I had after the back fusion. How long has it been since your fusion? They don't like to remove hardware if it has not been over a year due to the spine may not be stable enough. I would say go back to your orthro doc and talk with them about whats going on. They will most likely try injections first to see if they will relieve the pain. I hope this answered some of your questions. Hope everything works out for you because I know that living in pain is no joke. Good luck and best wishes.
Toni

duke blue · 07-28-2009, 03:53 AM

Thanks for the response to my questions. My surgery was done almost 15 months ago. The pain starts as hypersensitivity lower back.Then progesses to outright screaming, don't know what else to do pain. Shower (hot water held directly on affected area in my back helps) then drugs and bed. Surgery was done on L5-S1. Only two plates and four screws, three levels of decompression, and a bone graft w/bone from my hip. I have some numbness in my left thigh that actually produces pain, which is wierd, but Doc says thats normal. I had MRI yesterday and see Doc next thursday 8/7. I'm pretty sure that if MRI shows nothing new going on he will proceed w/hardware removal. Folks I'm just struggleing to get my life back. At this point it "ain't" happening. From what I've read those who've only had one surgery, one fusion seem to do well after removal. I've also heard that there can be an infection where the screws have been placed, is that true & how could I not know if I have an infection? Wouldn't I have a fever or feel sick or something??? Thanks to all who take the time to speak with me here. As I sure you all know everybody in your life eventually gets kinds tired of seeing you cry in pain. They all mean well but down deep they are ready to see you get up and go and be the person you were before the inury then surgery or whatever your circumstances are.