Now know what the 2 part fusion is for

I really enjoy hearing from all who have bothered to take the time to respond to me.
I went for my pre-op today and they explained everything to my satisfaction. I was told that the fusion was being done in two parts to avoid long exposure to being under anesthesia.
The first surgery (stomach) will allow the doctors to put cadaver bone in where the discs at L4-S1 used to be. They are basically put as snugly as possible. Then the second surgery (back) will allow them to put in the hardware. I was told I would have 6 titanium screws that would hold the cadaver bones in place. I also was told that my severe stenosis should be a thing of the past. He explained it like this.... when someone grabs your neck and strangles you, the blood flow to the brain is stopped. Likewise when there is stenosis.... the nerves are being "strangled". This weird analogy actually made sense to me.
Then after a 2 week post op exam, I will be practicing the "BLT's" of fusion. NO BENDING, NO LIFTING AND NO TWISTING. And here I thought that BLT was a sandwich
Please take care,
Sharon R.
lamenectomies at L5/S1 (left side)1987 and 1988
nucleotomy at the same level (left side) 1988
fusion/decompression of the L4/L5 and L5/S1 (right side) 2000
3 epidurals 2007
2 facet injections
2 nerve block attempts
diagnosed with a L4/L5/S1 non union of 2000's fusion/decompression 2007
nerve ablasion at 4 levels Feb. 2008

[FUZZDOG]

Hi Sharon...

I am curious...why is your surgeon choosing to use cadaver bone instead of your bone or synthetic bone expecially since you had a non-union in the past? Did they elaborate on this much? I realize that iliac crest grafts are considered "old school" by most up-to-date surgeons but also thought cadaver bone was not always the best choice for lumbar fusions of this length? Food for thought and NOT A SPINE SPECIALIST just wondering??? Thanks for the updates... coll

Hi Fuzz,

The reason they are using cadaver bone is because when the other doc did my fusion in 2000 he only used my bone and the doc felt that it had something to do with the non-union.
He did say that they will use some of my bone, but most will be cadaver.

Sharon R.

[FUZZDOG]

thanks for the reply......I am just at 6 mos so just starting to fuse now...hope this will be the answer for you and will be following your progress please keep us posted...
Coll

[cathydownunder]

Good to hear you have your surgery sorted and your questions answered Sharon.
Yes, most surgeons don't harvest their patient's own bone now. Cadaver bone is used and mixed with BMP to facilitate fusion.
This is what I had first surgery, and with my recent one the facet that was removed was ground and mixed with the BMP instead.
My surgeon told me yesterday that 1 "dose" of BMP costs over $6000,oo so it's expensive stuff.
Cathy

[Jessica]

[quote]Originally posted by Sharon R.:
He explained it like this.... when someone grabs your neck and strangles you, the blood flow to the brain is stopped. Likewise when there is stenosis.... the nerves are being "strangled". This weird analogy actually made sense to me./(QUOTE)

Is anyone else thinking this doc has a dark side? Completely kidding, I love it when a doctor explains something in a way that us average folk can understand.

Sharon - I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. We will all be thinking of you.

Jessica,
Thanks for the kind words, and for thinking like I think
Sharon R.

[mmarsh]

Sharon

Thanks for explaining that. I was a bit bewildered about the reason behind the 2 step surgery as well. Hope you are on the "other'side" by now and feeling better or at least on the road to recovery!

Missy