Calling all Spinal Fusion TW members

@Markcal
I forgot to answer the causes
My mom lifted a box of paper (50lbs)
My brother was posture related. Computer monitor and seating position at work.

 

L5-S1 fusion here. 2 more pinched nerves on MRI, just waiting for a Dr. willing to see me. It does no good to gripe about insurance, especially on here. Anyone thinking they have something constructive, please just PM it. We all know what's what.

I'm fortunate not to have developed an opioid addiction. Had a heart attack 3 yrs. ago and something happened....like a switch, they didn't feel the same any more so I quit taking them regular, had more of a happy effect than pain killing. Strange. Scared me. I'll take one but not every day like before.

 

My brother had that one about 7 years ago. Along with a full wraparound cage. He is still having issues, they just opted to do nerve burning.... they go in and laser a few milimeters off the end of the nerve in the area that's got pain. Supposed to last up to a year.

 

So sorry about your mom Jay. That really sucks!

 

I had a spinal fusion about 10 years ago, unknown to me at the time I worked and walked around with some dizzy spells, and weakness in my left arm before a found out my C-5 was broken on one side, cracked on the other, with 2 discs ruptured, it was job related, ceiling collapse, they made a “collar” around the C-5, then fused it to C-4 with plates, screws, and small rods, I have had no issues whatsoever! I guess I’m very fortunate a had a great doctor!

 

I took opiates for almost 12 years. Hated taking them but they worked for a bit. Once I started having to increase the dosage I started to worry. Finally got fed up and decided to try to get myself off of them to see if I was really in that much pain due to my spine or my brain demanding more medicine. Took a few months to taper down to nothing and I discovered that my pain was manageable without them. Much MUCH happier now as a result.

 

I wish when I was in grammar school or high school they had everyone take a course like Bob and Brad about posture and proper way to lift, sit, walk, and sleep.

 

WOW, your post made my day!!

 

I am going to ask what may seem like a silly left field question, but
How are your teeth?

 

What do you mean by "how"?

 

I've got three bulging disc on top of each other in my neck, it's just a matter of time before I join the fusion club. My dad has degenerative disc disease and has had 8 back operations and they told him there is nothing more they can do for his back. They also told me 65% of my back problems came from him.

 

Are they good, no cavities... how well do you heal after a root canal kinda thing

 

I was told the same. My mom and her father both had it really bad so I was screwed from the beginning.

 

I'm 53 never had a root canal yet, just had my first crown 3 months ago. I use a 12-year-old Sonic care toothbrush/Braun too + Waterpik, but could do better on my oral hygiene IMO.

 

The reason I ask.... is your teeth are a good sign of bone condition.
Most of the people I know that have had to have hardware put in and came out with bad results had dental issues as well.. the others were from trying to push recovery faster and over doing it.

 

I knew that's where you were going with this!

 

I have been taking about 5000 IU of vitamin D3, which I think strengthens bones, and don't smoke or drink.

 

Great teeth here. I worked hard and tried to work harder. No brains to fall back on, laughs.

 

@JaCado , Sorry about your mom. Sounds similar to my mothers situation. She had 4 spinal fusion surgeries, and the last one was a complete disaster. I watched her suffer for 20 years, before COPD finally did her in. I was really sad to lose her, but in her passing I knew that her suffering was over. Shortly after her death I found out that I had degenerative bone disease, which she also had, and I had my first serious back injury around 2010, but put off my surgery until late 2014. It's been a rough 10 years, but I'm optimistic that I'm going to get some of my life back now. Just have to take it one day at at time. And having a good Neurosurgeon is paramount to having a good recovery. I only hope that one day, I'll be able to ween myself off these dam pain pills, which right now I can't do without.

 

I've always heard that long term opioid use can cause tooth loss and gums to recede. I know that smoking can also cause serious teeth and gum problems. I'm 63 and I've only lost one tooth so far, but I worry about the long term effects of these drugs. I also take Vitamin D3 for bone health. I need to get into a better habit of taking care of my teeth.