I'm 46,broke my back in 2004 and had to have a fusion with rods at T3-T11 levels,I can't stand the rods,my back throbs and with every movement I feel them moving againt my muscles,not a good feeling.I can't run,swim and even walking *****.About 5 years ago I asked to get them out(he said no that there would be to many risks involved) and even went to get a second opinion and another no answer.I've now gone to a neuoro surgent that is now going to fuse L2-L5(this is a seperate issue with my back...severe spinal stenosis)And I asked him about taking the rods out at the thorastic level,he didn't say no.Has anybody out there have had them taken out and feel better?Thanks