I had rods put in in 1997, removed in 2000 and re implanted in 2002. I had my 1st son in October of 1997. I was extremely concerned about the rods and delivery and after much angst opted for a c-section. I was aasured that the spinal would be no problem. Well... my worst fear was that the anesthesiologist would be playing darts with my back... He couldn't get the spinal in and I felt as if I would be electrocuted. HE didn't get it until the 3rd try. My doctor offered me general anesthesia and I really wanted to be awake. THANKFULLY he got it on the third try. I am pretty nervous about experiencing that again and I would like to try a vaginal delivery but most OBs won't touch me on that request!
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I am a 21 year old female and had spinal fusion with the rods done in 1999 when I was 12. When I asked my surgeon about the childbirth issue, he informed me that whether or not a woman can have natural birth depends on how much of their spine is fused and also what hospital are available to them. I will not be able to have natural childbirth because my spine is fused so low that labor would pose risks to me (and apparently there isn't anyone in the world who would attempt an epidural on me, and I wouldn't attempt it without drugs.) If you're living in an area like NYC, you may be able to shop around hospitals to find an anesthesiologist who would be willing to try it, depending on how low the fusion is. There are many complications with trying to get it done if the fusion is lower. Many OBGYNs will err on the safe side with post surgery scoli patients and advise them toward a C-section from the get-go.
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I feel really old considering most of the posts on this subject had their surgeries in the 90's or even since 2000. Well, I had my Herrington fusion done in 1976--I was 14 years old. I wore a Milwaukee brace for 3 years before surgery and then a cast and brace for another 9 months after surgery. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I had 3 children without any problems at all--they are now 20, 17 and 15. I wasn't able to have an epidural and chose to not have any pain medications at all. I had completely normal labors and deliveries. I have lived a very normal life and am very active and don't even think about my back except when people comment on my good posture!!! I am just so thankful that there was a surgery available to correct my scoliosis before it caused me real problems!
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This is a very good topic. It was enjoyable hearing so many peoples experience with having their child and having rods in their backs. I just had rods put into my back 3 months ago, I'm 20 this year and of course thinking about children! I was a little concerned because I didn't know if it would cause complications or Id have to have a csection because I always dreamed of an all natural birth. Now that I finally have the rods I have a different prospetive, a baby is a miricale and if having one requireds no epideral or having a csection or possibly even another surgery after, it's all worth it.
I met a man who's wife had rods so I asked about pregenancy and she had 3 kids naturally with no complications. I personally think it varies with person to person because the degree of ur spine varies in people. Maybe we can't find anything on this topic because scoliosis surgery is rare?
Well I hope my posting helps a bit!
I met a man who's wife had rods so I asked about pregenancy and she had 3 kids naturally with no complications. I personally think it varies with person to person because the degree of ur spine varies in people. Maybe we can't find anything on this topic because scoliosis surgery is rare?
Well I hope my posting helps a bit!
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I was searching the internet on the subject of Rods and pregnancy and found this. I am 25 and had scoliosis surgery back in 95 and am 7 months pregnant. I haven't had any problems until now with my back. The baby is getting bigger so now have a lot of pain in my upper back where my rods are. I was also told I could not have an epidural and if needed a c-section would have to be put out. I'm hoping to have a natural birth, but not sure how it will go. If anyone has had a natural child birth what things helped get through that? Any helpful hints?
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I had a double spinal fusion in 1989 (Harrington rods). I was told I couldn't have an epidural. My daughter was born by elective c-section in 2004. I had to have a spinal catheda. The Doctor was going to carry out a scan to see if I could have the baby naturally as it would depend on how curved the lower spine was. When I went away and thought about it I decided to go with the c-section as I have had a lot of x-rays over the years so I knew my spine is pretty curved at the bottom. I also worried about parts of my bone graft coming off and going into my spinal column as your bones can move during labour. I have just found out today that I am expecting my 2nd baby and would imagine I will have another c-section. Even though I would have liked to experienced some king of labour (waters breaking etc.) I just don't think it's worth the risk.
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Wow, so good to find you all. I had two CD rods (later version of Herrinton) fused to spine in 1994. I am now, in 2008 16 weeks pregnant and wondering what will be able to happen. I really hope I don't have to be out of it under a general. I don't much like the sound of an epidural anyway, but would probably want to know it would be possible to have one if needed at the time. My GP was cross at 15 weeks that the midwives and womens hospital hadn't so far taken much interest in the fact that I'd had major spinal surgery. Apparently I should now see a consultant and anesthesiologist.
My main concern is that the bigger I get my balance wont cope and I'll topple over and get stuck on my tummy!!
My main concern is that the bigger I get my balance wont cope and I'll topple over and get stuck on my tummy!!
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I've had rods in since I was 15. I'm 29 now and have given birth vaginally (with an epidural) to both my son and daughter. The first time around, the anesthesiologist didn't do a great job so I could feel a lot of pain on my left side. The second time around, he did an awesome job and I didn't feel a thing. However, it took 5-6 pokes to find the spot and those pokes were painful - especially when he hit the actual rod one of those times. I still experience some back pain (8 days after birth) but all in all I had a great experience. Hope this helps!
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i am researching for a friend of mine who has scoliosis, she had an op when she was 13/14, and is now 21 and has been told the lower half is now curving and will need operating on later on (about 20years they said) she wants to have children but was told that if she has a girl there is a 50% chance she will pass it on, and 0% chance if she has a boy.
has anyone else been told this? have you had a baby and passed scoliosis on? or has anyone inquired about gender selection ivf (can be given on the NHS if for medical reasons here)
she really doesn't want to pass it on, and if she cant be sure she will either go without, or me and my partner will be having a child for her and she would then adopt from us.
has anyone else been told this? have you had a baby and passed scoliosis on? or has anyone inquired about gender selection ivf (can be given on the NHS if for medical reasons here)
she really doesn't want to pass it on, and if she cant be sure she will either go without, or me and my partner will be having a child for her and she would then adopt from us.
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i just wanted to say i also had back surgery in 1987 i was 12 at the time i am now 33 years old and i also wanted an epidural they tried a couple of times but i guess couldnt find right spot. 5 mins later i had my daughter kaitlin who is now 12 years old and i had her all natural only because they were looking too long for the spot on my back to numb crazy huh?? anyways i never heard of if you have a girl she is more likely to have a curvature of the spine or scoloisis. my daughter doesnt have this at all i hope this helps!
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I had herrington rods put in my back for scoliosis when I was 17 (1997). I am now 28 and 5 months pregnant. My OBGYN said there should be no problem administering an epidural but the anestesologist DEMANDS that they have the x rays of my back post surgery to see where they can 'go' and where they can't. I'm having my xrays shipped now and crossing my fingers. Wish me luck :-)
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this is a very good topic and is great to hear peoples experience with pregnancy and having rods on their spins. they should have information on the web for this topic but seems to not be too much so this helps a lil! i am going on my 6th week and i am only 8 moths post op which i know is way too soon. if there is anyone else out there that was in the same situation let me know if u had to be on bed rest? thnx
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Good luck to you!!! I live in the UK and had a brace from the age of 9-11 and then had a rod inserted to my "S" in 1980. I am now 40 and trying for my first!!! My doctor was great and wrote to a specialist for me when I enquired about pregnancy and was given the all clear - it seems to me that after reading everything on here each person has a very individual experience of scoliosis and pregnancy - I'm just so grateful that there is so much information available!!!! :-)
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I had my spinal fusion at 16 and then three revisions three years following. My back is now very sensitive to pressure and agitation. I am not pregnant, but I am getting married within the next year or so and anticipate having children of mine and my husbands. I worry that it will be too much for me to give natural birth. I fear for my health and the health of my child if complications should occur. I also understand that it is more convenient to have a c section. 8-| Thanks for all the knowledge! It is helpful!thr
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I had an operation and got 2 rods and a spinal fusion at the age of 13, now i am 23 weeks pregnant. I had to get my appointment by my specialist for my back cancelled because he can't really do anything because i will be 7 months then. He told me to schedule an appointment for after I give birth as soon as i can. He wants to make sure my back is still okay. I'm not to sure of what can go wrong, and i am kind of worried. My main curve was 68 degrees, but after my operation my main curve is now 37 degrees, and the other 2 are 32 and 27ish. I'm also wondering about having an epidural...There is a lot of posts but everyone is in different situations so i was explaining mine to see if anyone can relate.
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