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Had Spinal Fusion With Harrington Rods, Constant Pain, Damaged Diaphragm. What Is Wrong?
hello. i have an aunt who is very severly ill and in pain. she has had a complete spinal fusion with harrington rods. she is in constant pain for many many years. doctors are stumped and one by one her organs are starting to fail b/c she hunched over all the time. her diaphram is damaged and every internal organ seems to be squished inside her (b/c sh is at a 90 degree angle) She needs help. she doesnt know where to go or where to turn. She is lost. Doctors are stumped. Have you heard of anyone that can help?
Fri, 28 Jun 2013
Hello and welcome to HCM,
I am sorry for your aunt's condition.
The severe pain associated with spinal fusion can be controlled by palliative care.
I assume that the routine pain killers has stopped relieving the pain.
Palliative pain relief provides pain relief without affecting the underlying disease process.
Opoids are commonly used for this purpose and the intake can be controlled by the patient himself/ herself.
The drug is taken by the patient in pulses whenever required.
You need to consult an orthopedician and a physiotherapist for the maintenance of appropriate position.
Bony fusion of the vertebrae is more or less permanent, however, you can consult an orthopedician for better management of the awkward position and internal damage caused.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I am sorry for your aunt's condition.
The severe pain associated with spinal fusion can be controlled by palliative care.
I assume that the routine pain killers has stopped relieving the pain.
Palliative pain relief provides pain relief without affecting the underlying disease process.
Opoids are commonly used for this purpose and the intake can be controlled by the patient himself/ herself.
The drug is taken by the patient in pulses whenever required.
You need to consult an orthopedician and a physiotherapist for the maintenance of appropriate position.
Bony fusion of the vertebrae is more or less permanent, however, you can consult an orthopedician for better management of the awkward position and internal damage caused.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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