In middle school my teacher found the scoliosis when they did the check for it. I went to a bunch of doctors and the end result was having the Harrington rods placed when I was 13. It was the most awful thing I have experienced very painful but there was no choice in the matter because the doctors all said without the surgery death would come earlier for me because my spine would collapse and crush my heart and lungs. Soo...I believe the surgery saved me even though I am in pain everyday!

I have had 5 surgerys beginning at age 12. At 16 during an xray we found my rod was broken and was removed. At 24 I had 2 surgeries which did wonders I was 4 inches taller. At around 40 I began developing Flat back syndrome and my pain level began to really get sever. At 50 I had revision surgery to correct Spondylolisthesis.

It worked!!! I have no side effects. My scar is cute and my posture is enviable.

I guess it's working, it's all I've known for 36 years

I feel great!

I feel great now!

I had surgery 6 weeks ago to have harrington rods attached to my spine as well as 5 ribs removed to correct the deformity and to alleviate the source of my pain (hopefully). I had complications after surgery and had to be on a ventilator for a few days to help me breathe as well as a blood transfusion due to blood loss. My recovery has been slow and painful and has been difficult for me to cope with physically as well as mentally. However, I have no regrets.

1985, herrington rods

Since my curves kept getting worse, I think it was the best option. Compared to the pain before surgery, the minor pains I sometimes get now are nothing. The only major side-effect is sometimes i get really stiff in the shoulder area, which never happend before surgery.

Well it stopped the curve from getting worse. The hooks popped out twice and I had to have part of it removed 5 years ago because it was causing pain. I wouldn't recommend not getting surgery if your doctor says it's needed. I guess it's worth the problems.