Say, after reading everyone's stories of back pain and the paths you have all taken, I feel like my situation isn't as bad as I thought! I have a deteriorated L5-S1 disc.
I just had a discogram on Monday the 21st...Wheee! That was fun! My doctor
says I should consider an L5-S1 spinal fusion. He said they would be using the (rhBMP-2) instead of
harvesting bone from my hip or using cadavers. Has anyone had this procedure done? I understand the fusion is met with success. Less recovery, faster fusion time. Is this true? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif

Hi..Well not sure if this is the same but let me explain..I am having a fusion on Mon l4-l5. My surgeon told me about this study using BMP. I said I would be interested. Figured less pain from the hip graft and results showed great recovery. Well the study only picks so many people to get the BMP and so many to get their own bone. Then they compare the different people and their recovery. Today I found out I was selected to have my own bone. I was disapointed cause I was hoping to avoid the added pain. But on the other hand was this Gods way of saying hey that wont be good for your body. So now I will be part of the study but use my own bone. As far as I know its not FDA approved so this may not be the same thing your doc is talking about or it is and he mentioned it for you to be part of the study. I am curiouse to know. Keep me posted.
Linda

I also am not familiar with this new procedure, but can tell you that not everyone has a lot of pain from the site the bone is harvested. I have had two fusion surgeries with my own bone used both times. Never did I have a problem with pain from either site. Actually, the second time they harvested the bone without even making an additional incision, I thought it was quite impressive.

Hi..My doc said he would just lift my muscle to get to the bone and not have to cut me anywhere..I thought that was good. Did you have 1 level? and how long was your surgery?
Linda

Hi, Ickyback and welcome to the boards.

March 5 I had a single level PLIF L5/S1 (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion). At the risk of sounding stupid, what is a rhBMP2?

For my surgery (which went fabulous - I feel so much better and haven't been on pain meds since day after surgery) they did a laminectomy at the same time and used that bone for the fusion. I cannot say enough about this procedure. I haven't had to wear a brace and have been in physical therapy for 3 weeks already. You might want to ask if he does this procedure. Honestly, I feel really good and have since recovery. Actually, they kept asking me in recovery what my pain level was. I can honestly say that the pain level (not moving, of course,) was 0. There were alot of people praying, too, the skill of the surgeon and the fact that I was in so much pain prior to the surgery had a lot to do with it.

Good luck - you'll do great.

------------------
gbr

JDD
2 Discograms
4 Level failed IDET
4 Confirmed torn lumbar discs, 2 full thickness
Issues now with c-spine & thoracic
Fusion of L5/S1 scheduled 3/5/03
Fusion successful - feeling better all the time

[This message has been edited by go*big*red (edited 04-27-2003).]

Hi,
I'm new to this website. I recently (April 7th) had Laparoscopic surgery for a herniated L5-S1 disc. They used BMP2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) instead of taking bone from the hip or pelvis. I was in the hospital only four days. I had the staples removed approximately 10 days post surgery. While I'm still in the early stages of recuperation I can tell you that my back pain is significantly less than before surgery. The abdominal part of the surgery has been uncomfortable. (Queasy stomach) I have four small incisions in the front and three in the back.
My doctor has told me I can expect to be out of work for at least 6 weeks. I will be starting rehab 15 weeks post surgery. I am required to wear a back brace for six months. (It's going to be a long summer)

If you asked me whether the discomfort so far has been worth it, I would tell you most definitely. The relief I've gotten so far is tremendous.

The only downside is that the BMP2 may not be covered by insurance since it is so new. The advantage to using it is that your bones fuse in half the time and you have no post-op pain from them taking bone from your hip or pelvis.

Hi Ickyback, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I had a two level fusion in December (L5-S1 & L2-3) My doctor used my own bone, he used the pelvic bone. He said it is less painful than using the hip bone, and I never had a problem with it.

He prefers the patients own bone, I was told the body fuses better when it's the patients bone rather than donor bone.
Everyone is different though.

I wish you well on whatever decision you make, and I also wish everyone well that has upcoming fusions http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif


------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 04-27-2003).]

Hi..I was told that BMP is not FDA approved yet. But if you are in the study program what ever insurance doesnt pick up the study will.
Why is the brace needed? My doc said I will not have to wear one.
Linda

Things have definetly changed sice my discogram last monday. I retrieved a phone message
on Saturday & the surgeons nurse said I actually have damage at 2 levels. L4-L5 and L5-S1.
My heart dropped into my stomach. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all of your input.
My friends & family really can't know what we as back pain sufferers go through. I still need to
chat with my doctor about the new "findings". I didn't even think about the rhBMP-2 not being covered
by insurance! Wow! You all have helped me so much!!!!!

Signed...mortified, anxious and scared...Ickyback!
Actually, my first name is Karen. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

Hi Karen! Great name heehee.

Sorry about the 2 levels..... let us know what doc says... Good luck!

Karen (mokita - actually my dog's name!! )

Hi Karen,

I also wish you good luck on the upcoming appointment, please keep us posted http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

From what I understand BMP has been approved by FDA for about two years now. I wasn't given an option to be part of the study group so maybe that's over. The medical office told me that the reason ins company may not pay is because there is no number for the procedure to be billed under and ins. co. may reject claim. I'll keep my fingers crossed that at least part will be covered.

As for the brace, my doctor wants to be sure that the back is stabilized. I guess just precautionary. I will say that wearing it does feel more secure.

It's been three weeks today since the surgery and my stomach is finally feeling normal again. That was definitely the worst part of the surgery.

Good Luck to all of you contemplating surgery. I'm glad I had mine. I'd definitely tell you to go for it.