New kid on the block

[longroadahead]

Good to hear you have your surgery date and looks like you are going with the 2 level fusion.

I did the physc test at TBI as well but at the time I wasn't ready to totally commit to the proposed surgery so think it was a waste of my time.

Wishing you the best of luck.

[Maria]

A recent bone mineral density test? Any chance you have Celiac's disease? Sometimes it's linked to Vit D defiency I believe altho of course that's not all that uncommon w/osteoporosis. Did your doc recommend getting some direct sunlight like about 15 mins./day?

I'd talk to the specialist that manages your osteoporosis in terms of having multi level spinal fusion just to get that perspective on it if you have a significant bone density loss.

I was on an injectable medicine for nearly 2 years re osteoporosis. Need to get my BMD checked again. I'm late for this and wasn't fully compliant w/the medicine either (full 2 years).

[dshobbies]

ToP,

We all tend to start jumping out of our skin when surgery becomes 'real'. No one likes having surgery (or the need for it for that matter) but if you've done your homework and are satisfied you're making the right decision - go ahead a jump. You'll be on the other side before you know it, just with a lot of anxiety before the big day.

I know how difficult this is during the waiting time. Added to that is your cutting down on smoking which also raises anxiety levels. So if you need to vent or ramble or just want to get it out, we're here, waiting with you.

(un)fortunately time is seemingly moving rapidly. Your surgery will be behind you soon enough. Good luck,

Dale

[jsewell]

Tired of Pain,
Me too., I am here to give you all the support you need. I am now fusing well after extensive work on C4 thru L2, yep all fusing. I have had osteopenia for years., I took fosomax for 3 then went to take a year break from it and have not gone back. I'm having bone density checked again on monday. My endocrinologist said with a few fractures (i've had i think 4 in my spine alone) it is now termed osteporosis. I live in socal and am always trying to be out exercising so i have no problems with low vitamin D. It is the sunshine . My endocinologist i volunteer in his clinic one night a week and there is a big push on vitamin D these days, He gives the prescription kind to almost everyone., He keeps checking my vitamin D aLL THE TIME. It did go down when i was home in bed a lot with the 2 major surgery's . But still pretty good.
I did wear a bone stimulator for my first 2 back fusions. I think becuase they were for 3 levels . These last 2 were for 13 levels and 9 levels so where to put the darn bone stimulator was probably more of a question. So just a lot longer in the brace. Lucky me. Well i can't complain, just glad I have a wonderful caring physician.
Normal to worry, i am starting to stress about another extensive surgery to try to repair my nerve that controls my diaphram muscle so i can go back to breathing like a normal person.,

anyway i have to run , not really, but need to go. Please write of worry or venting any time. I am here still recovering from the last one (i broke my neck.) and don't know how , talk about soft bones. I will be back on some medication after i am all fused the 2 don't go together well except for one type. Probably the type Maria talked about because it is a daily injection.
talk soon
judy

[Maria]

Can be linked also to anemia. Not that you have this and I'm sure if you were tested for Vit D you were tested for anemia as I recall getting the most comprehensive blood work done by the specialist that manages my osteoporosis. He didn't think it was a good idea for me to be getting ESIs. I had already had nearly 10 years worth that helped my back pain greatly and I had osteopenia even at the beginning of ESIs as well as family history of mother, father, and older brother with osteoporosis.

The injectable daily medication is called Forteo. Then there's something given by IV once yearly to maintain bone density levels when the desired increased level is achieved although I've also read about the once/year tx being used to produce results like daily injectable medication.

Good luck w/whatever your plan is re surgery.

[dshobbies]

Just something I heard, really know nothing -

The 'more often' bone density drugs carry less side effects than those taken less often. Daily or weekly meds as opposed to monthly or yearly meds?????

Worth looking into.

[dridobits]

Hi J, After ten years of excruciating pain and exhausting all treatment options, I finally chose to move forward with surgery. As my bone density was low I didn't have the option of ADR. I had insurance issues also.

I had two level fusion L4 and L5. It is now about one year and four months. I'm really glad I did it. I still have pain but it is now bearable. It's been a long recovery for me but I've had many days where my pain is low. I have osteopenia (from chemotherapy) and that is why they did the fusion vs. ADR.

Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know and I'm wishing you the very best.

[TiredofPain]

Thank you everyone for the advice and sharing your experiences. It has been very helpful and calming. Yesterday I completed the pre-registration at the hospital where my surgery will be. Also went through the training that TBI requires and received my brace. I believe that my wife and I have made the necessary preparations for when I get home. Including me staying in our guest room for a short period, (we have 4 Westies, and I don't want to trip over them). My wonderful wife is taking the first 2 weeks off of work to help me out. I am now to the point that the surgery date will not come soon enough. I will post as soon as I can, thanks again.

J