Sounds like we have a few other things in common. The VA put 2 12" harrington rods in my back, in '79(to support my back while the bone fusion healed). They were supposed to be removed in 6-12 months. It didn't happen...

Finally, after fighting with them for 5 years, one of the doctors agreed to take them out. BUT ~ he said since they were in so long, my discs might have weakened. So-o-o, he'd have to remove the 12" rods and replace them with 18" rods - for 6-12 months. Hmmmm....that sounded familiar. I declined. I told the doctor he could be gone at any time, and my luck the next doctor would decide it was unnecessary surgery ~ again. Well, here I sit 23+ years later with them still in. I THANK GOD on a daily basis I haven't had any major problems with them....

Good luck to you, too