2 discs bad and Osteoporosis

[oldtimegrrl]

Thanks very much.

I thought about going on Forteo or something similar and trying to build the bone up, but I just don't want to delay the surgery. There is always the possibility (knock on wood) that I might lose my health insurance, or develop some other condition, or that my surgeon might move to a different hospital, or that my condition might degenerate even further due to continued inactivity, so I figured I better go for it now, while I'm able.

I realize that there is a possibility I might be worse after surgery than I am now, but it's a relatively small one. And I'm pretty sure that if I don't have surgery, I will just continue to get worse. So this at least gives me a chance of making my life better. That's my thought process, anyway.

I'm trying to prepare the house for the post-op period, setting everything up with my employer, buying satin sheets - recommended by someone to help with turning over & moving in bed post-op.

Maria - do you think the Forteo had anything to do with the auto-fusion?

[Maria]

My original injury was in 1982 and I think the discectomy in '89 at the L5S1 level plus time brought about the onset of autofusion over a long period of time. I actually started to feel better somewhat around 2005 ( 2 level ADR was authorized via WC in 2003 trials but the trial closed and in between 2003-2006 I was in process of trying to get ADR 2 level authorized again. By the time I was seen in 2006 a CT scan of showed moderate facet arthopathy at L5S1 so it was recommended by several surgeons here in US to go with fusion at L5S1 and ADR at L4. I never liked the idea of fusion and had felt much worse in the past so decided to wait. Whether that was an overall good move or not I'll never know tho at least things have been pretty stable over the last few years.

I didn't actually start the Forteo until 9 months ago so it had no actual bearing upon my feeling better that I know of and in fact the first few months I was on it I felt worse with generalized body aches and sluggishness. Hopefully it's doing what it's supposed to~

I strongly feel I'd want vertebroplasty available (by a skilled surgeon utilizing this) if I were having ADR done but it's not available here in the US so that's what I was holding out for more or less.

I can surely understand your reasoning re not waiting and risking the further degenerative changes that will likely occur not to mention worsening of osteoporosis. I've really not wanted fusion done so I'm pleased that it appears I've autofused at L5S1 and feel better than worse~ maybe L4 will do the same in the near future (one can only hope).

BTW~ I walk alot so I was quite surprised that my BMD took such a nose dive in a 2 year period of time. I think it was mostly the estrogen withdrawl being that I'm 55 and postmenopausal since age 50 (and didn't do any estrogen replacement therapy).

[oldtimegrrl]

Maria -
I don't know too much about vertebroplasty, so I asked Dr. Google. I found an article from 2002 from the American Academy of Family Physicians saying that vertebroplasty was totally acceptable for many uses, including "Reinforcement of a pathologically weak vertebral body before a surgical stabilization procedure". Why do you say it's "not available here in the US"? I don't really know much about this.

[Maria]

In the US is used for vertebral fractures I believe and not approved for use with ADR and/or fusion that I know of tho perhaps by now things have moved along and surgeons are able to use this to shore up the levels being worked on to prevent subsidence of implants.

[dshobbies]

Two points - first, i believe studies have shown lifting free weights is the only exercise that improves bone density Walking is said to be the best overall exercise but does nothing for bone strength.

And then we have to talk about satin sheets. True it's easier to move around, but your pillow will not stay in place. As you move, it slides. Anchoring a part of your body, like putting your knees up, forget it. Crawling your way into a sitting position - uh-uh. And if you think it's romantic and might benefit the 'sexual' experience, think again They are good for a laugh.

D