nero
10-24-2003, 05:20 PM
November 10/03 is fast approaching. The choice of bone graft is mine but dr. prefers own for better fusion. I may be having two levels done and won't know till November 4/03.
I already have a lot of rightsided hip pain from l5-s1 herniation especially seized up a.m. or sitting yet I can treadmill for an hour with small incline once I get moving.
Should I tell them to harvest from good hip or leave myself one good leg to stand on and have them harvest from hip that already gives me problems.
I am concerned as I am 5'6 120 lbs. losing weight by the day with anxious stomach and don't want to get too under the weather with the lack of food yet to experience after surgery...i love my steak YIKES
NERO
I already have a lot of rightsided hip pain from l5-s1 herniation especially seized up a.m. or sitting yet I can treadmill for an hour with small incline once I get moving.
Should I tell them to harvest from good hip or leave myself one good leg to stand on and have them harvest from hip that already gives me problems.
I am concerned as I am 5'6 120 lbs. losing weight by the day with anxious stomach and don't want to get too under the weather with the lack of food yet to experience after surgery...i love my steak YIKES
NERO
Sponsor
KeithEugeneW
10-24-2003, 10:30 PM
I've never had the surgery, but from what I've read here for the past year or so on the board is that there really is no difference in fusion rates with donor bone or your own bone. Some doctors seem to have a preference for your own, but from what I've read, there's no scientific data to support that being better. I have heard that many people end up with lingering pain in their hip for even years afterwards by using their own bone. Just my 2 cents worth. I know if it was me, I'd use donor bone, and I was one who had been convinced initially that your own was the only way to go. Good luck on making your decision, I hope you get plenty of opinions here to help you make a well educated choice, and I wish you the best of luck with your surgery!
Keith
Keith
Beeyes
10-25-2003, 01:16 PM
Use your own bone! I did it, with a lot of hesitation. I talked to both of my surgeons about it. The fusion is faster and better with you own bone. In their experience of over 1000 ACDF's....fusion rates were about 90% on donor bone and 98% with your own bone. 8% is enough to convince me. Also, collar time is cut in half. I am already out of my collar for 5 hours a day afer 3 weeks. And i will be out of it for good in 1 more week.
If you are in decent shape, you should not have problems. I asked my surgeon and he said he only had a handful of problems with the hip, and they were either unhealthy or elderly people.
I have said this before, but the pain is not as bad as I epected. Yes, it was very sore the first 5 days when I walked, but I wasn't walking around much anyway. Now after 3 weeks, I feel like I could play golf if the docs let me. I definitely would not move my head a lot! Again this morning I did a set of squats and lunges without weights. No pain at all!
All I can say is that if I had a fusion problem and used donor bone, I would really feel stupid for taking the easy way out. Of course many, many people have success with donor bone. So the question is how much are you willing to gamble on you spine?
Brett
If you are in decent shape, you should not have problems. I asked my surgeon and he said he only had a handful of problems with the hip, and they were either unhealthy or elderly people.
I have said this before, but the pain is not as bad as I epected. Yes, it was very sore the first 5 days when I walked, but I wasn't walking around much anyway. Now after 3 weeks, I feel like I could play golf if the docs let me. I definitely would not move my head a lot! Again this morning I did a set of squats and lunges without weights. No pain at all!
All I can say is that if I had a fusion problem and used donor bone, I would really feel stupid for taking the easy way out. Of course many, many people have success with donor bone. So the question is how much are you willing to gamble on you spine?
Brett
Beeyes
10-25-2003, 01:18 PM
Eat now!!! I was 155 at 6' tall before the ACDF. 1 week after the surgury, I was 145!!! Thats a lot of weight. Now I eat as much as possible and have gained 4 pounds back. I was back to normal food in about 5 days.
Brett
Brett
Deborah2003
10-25-2003, 11:30 PM
My Orthopaedic Surgeon has done over 12,000 surgeries. He does about 22 surgeries a week, 50 weeks every year.. and has done them for 11 years. So I guess we can say he is very experienced.
He only uses the patient's own hip bone for fusion. He says, based on his experience, you heal faster and the bones fuse better when using your own bone. There is a chance when using donor bone from a cadaver that the fusion won't take or fuse 100%. and a small chance that your body will reject the donor bone.
I had two level fusion which required two bone grafts from my hip. so my recovery was a little bit longer than Beeyes. Everyone heals at their own rate. I am 7 weeks post op and I still have an ache or two once in a while in my hip.. but nothing that prevents me from getting around as I see fit. I did have to use a cane for a while after the hospital. In fact, they had a phyical therapist make sure I could get around with a cane before they would permit me from leaving the hospital. I was up and around the second day after surgery with my cane.
I had a metal plate as part of my fusion so I was not required to wear a collar. I was given a soft collar to use in situations where I felt I might need a little bit more support but I was not required to wear it at any time. The metal plate acts as a collar.
Based on the current hip pain. Ask you surgeon what he prefers to do based on what is best for your condition. And then follow his advice.
------------------
Deborah
ACDF C5-C6 & C6-C7 Own Bone and Plate Sept 2003
[This message has been edited by Deborah2003 (edited 10-25-2003).]
He only uses the patient's own hip bone for fusion. He says, based on his experience, you heal faster and the bones fuse better when using your own bone. There is a chance when using donor bone from a cadaver that the fusion won't take or fuse 100%. and a small chance that your body will reject the donor bone.
I had two level fusion which required two bone grafts from my hip. so my recovery was a little bit longer than Beeyes. Everyone heals at their own rate. I am 7 weeks post op and I still have an ache or two once in a while in my hip.. but nothing that prevents me from getting around as I see fit. I did have to use a cane for a while after the hospital. In fact, they had a phyical therapist make sure I could get around with a cane before they would permit me from leaving the hospital. I was up and around the second day after surgery with my cane.
I had a metal plate as part of my fusion so I was not required to wear a collar. I was given a soft collar to use in situations where I felt I might need a little bit more support but I was not required to wear it at any time. The metal plate acts as a collar.
Based on the current hip pain. Ask you surgeon what he prefers to do based on what is best for your condition. And then follow his advice.
------------------
Deborah
ACDF C5-C6 & C6-C7 Own Bone and Plate Sept 2003
[This message has been edited by Deborah2003 (edited 10-25-2003).]
nero
10-26-2003, 12:00 AM
THANKS EVERYBODY:
I WAS TRYING TO CONVINCE MYSELF THAT AUTOGRAFT WAS SAME AS ALLOGRAFT (DONOR) WHEN I KNEW IT WASNT.
THANKS FOR REAFFIRMING THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH ALL THAT WHY NOT GO THE EXTRA MILE.
MY SURGEON SHOOK HIS HEAD IN FIRM AGREEMENT THAT MY INITIAL CHOICE FOR OWN BONE WAS THE RIGHT WAY, AND AS NOTED THEY DO THESE SURGERIES AGAIN ANG AGAIN - NOT ME HOPEFULLY.
JUST A LITTLE TIRED OF THE WHOLE PAIN THING AND THOUGHT OF EXACERBATING IT IN ANOTHER PART OF MY BODY IS SOMETIMES OVERWHELMING....BUT YOU ARE ALL HERE - SO THANKS KINDLY.
NERO
I WAS TRYING TO CONVINCE MYSELF THAT AUTOGRAFT WAS SAME AS ALLOGRAFT (DONOR) WHEN I KNEW IT WASNT.
THANKS FOR REAFFIRMING THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH ALL THAT WHY NOT GO THE EXTRA MILE.
MY SURGEON SHOOK HIS HEAD IN FIRM AGREEMENT THAT MY INITIAL CHOICE FOR OWN BONE WAS THE RIGHT WAY, AND AS NOTED THEY DO THESE SURGERIES AGAIN ANG AGAIN - NOT ME HOPEFULLY.
JUST A LITTLE TIRED OF THE WHOLE PAIN THING AND THOUGHT OF EXACERBATING IT IN ANOTHER PART OF MY BODY IS SOMETIMES OVERWHELMING....BUT YOU ARE ALL HERE - SO THANKS KINDLY.
NERO
KeithEugeneW
10-26-2003, 08:00 PM
I'm glad some knowledgeable folks chimed in, past discussions on the board on the topic were from people pushing for the donor bone, but I don't remember seeing any good justifications on those discussions for your own bone as are presented here. The statistics from the study mentioned are interesting, it's the first time I've ever heard anyone quote some comparison statistics, which is what I was hoping to see. I know the the surgeon I see, if I end up having the surgery, is big on your own bone as well. I have heard several people here on the board complain of significant lingering pain from their hip. You may want to use the search option and use the word "hip" and see what you can find, as well as searches on "donor", or any other key words you want to try. You should come up with a lot to read from past posts. Good luck on your surgery!
nero
11-05-2003, 11:05 PM
Thanks for all the replies. Every tidbit is really helpful.
Attn; Keith
Thanks for the seach tip as I'll attempt that route.
My latest question is the incredible disparity in who wears a collar at all, for how long and soft vs. hard. I have to wear mine for three months my dr just told me with a few hours off not to commence till the 6 or 8 week time frame.
I will have plate and own bone and he is adamant and yet some of you as noted never wore collar at all using plate as the collar.
Its incredible to believe collar was not required as well as such a short time period.
Maybe my doctor is super conservative or just giving me the outset and will inform me differently as xrays divulge status of fusion.. Pretty bizarre though if you ask me ..
Thanks again Nero
Attn; Keith
Thanks for the seach tip as I'll attempt that route.
My latest question is the incredible disparity in who wears a collar at all, for how long and soft vs. hard. I have to wear mine for three months my dr just told me with a few hours off not to commence till the 6 or 8 week time frame.
I will have plate and own bone and he is adamant and yet some of you as noted never wore collar at all using plate as the collar.
Its incredible to believe collar was not required as well as such a short time period.
Maybe my doctor is super conservative or just giving me the outset and will inform me differently as xrays divulge status of fusion.. Pretty bizarre though if you ask me ..
Thanks again Nero
mistyone
11-06-2003, 12:24 AM
:angel: hi angel :angel:
I will be thinking about you and praying very hard for you also sweetie :eek:
My ns took bone out from my right cheek the iliac crest and then they back fill it with a matrix usually coral calicum
I SUGGEST VERY STRONGLY THAT YOU GET SOME OFTHE CORAL CALICUM TO TAKE AFTER aftet the operation.
I take it still. I am 47 and am worried about osteoporois as i am past menopause!!! I went early at age 40!!!
lucky- no more messes for me but then again it keeps your bones stronger.
get the marine coral calicum as that is supposed to be the best.
it is in liquid form and easy asorbed by your body but take it only at night as taht is when calicum leeches from your bones at night. if you do not get enough of calcium your body robs it form your bones.
:wave: they took it out from my right hip cheek which had staples. are you going in through the front of the neck or back?
the front is not so back my friend. the back is another story :confused:
:wave: take care.... :cool: mistyone and soon we will all read about your experience like the rest of us!!!
get ready to offically join the 'club' it is an exclusive one indeed!!!
I will be thinking about you and praying very hard for you also sweetie :eek:
My ns took bone out from my right cheek the iliac crest and then they back fill it with a matrix usually coral calicum
I SUGGEST VERY STRONGLY THAT YOU GET SOME OFTHE CORAL CALICUM TO TAKE AFTER aftet the operation.
I take it still. I am 47 and am worried about osteoporois as i am past menopause!!! I went early at age 40!!!
lucky- no more messes for me but then again it keeps your bones stronger.
get the marine coral calicum as that is supposed to be the best.
it is in liquid form and easy asorbed by your body but take it only at night as taht is when calicum leeches from your bones at night. if you do not get enough of calcium your body robs it form your bones.
:wave: they took it out from my right hip cheek which had staples. are you going in through the front of the neck or back?
the front is not so back my friend. the back is another story :confused:
:wave: take care.... :cool: mistyone and soon we will all read about your experience like the rest of us!!!
get ready to offically join the 'club' it is an exclusive one indeed!!!
Beeyes
11-07-2003, 09:34 PM
Nero_
When I was told to start removing my colar after 18 days, I asked why some doctors dont require their patients to wear on. He said that it doesnt really do anything for the verts , but help the tissue in the neck heal faster. The plate really is enough to protect the area and promote fusion. I thought that was interesting. Im sure if I would have been told that before the surgury, I would have given myself some time off from the collar when I was in a safe reclined position. Well, maybe MORE time off, since I did occasionally do that to save my sanity! I would just de-velcro 1 side and let some air in. Man that thing was hot! I didnt realize it until I started to take it off for a few hours. I have not put it on now since Monday, and I am feeling pretty good. I really want to get 18 holes in before winter set in here in Chicago. My next appt is on 11/25 which is about 8 weeks post op. I hope there is some fusion and he gives me the green light.
BS
When I was told to start removing my colar after 18 days, I asked why some doctors dont require their patients to wear on. He said that it doesnt really do anything for the verts , but help the tissue in the neck heal faster. The plate really is enough to protect the area and promote fusion. I thought that was interesting. Im sure if I would have been told that before the surgury, I would have given myself some time off from the collar when I was in a safe reclined position. Well, maybe MORE time off, since I did occasionally do that to save my sanity! I would just de-velcro 1 side and let some air in. Man that thing was hot! I didnt realize it until I started to take it off for a few hours. I have not put it on now since Monday, and I am feeling pretty good. I really want to get 18 holes in before winter set in here in Chicago. My next appt is on 11/25 which is about 8 weeks post op. I hope there is some fusion and he gives me the green light.
BS
nero
11-08-2003, 12:13 AM
Hi folks, Mistyone, Beev...et al
Well my surgery confirmed Monday, Nov 10 8a.m.
It feels surreal now ... really like happening to someone else..its been such a long wait and journey.
Dr says he is up to it, even though foot broken, not pinned or casted and he said he books six hours but really I am only under 3 1/2 - 4 ; he just doesn't want to rush.. sounds fine to me.
He is entering through the front a small incision in the bottommost crease and taking bone from from left hip where you can see hip sticking out of your abdomen.
He answered all questions and I feel as confident as you can. I don't why I am this calm maybe its because my 10 year daughter when told by teacher to tell me good luck its a big operation had enough gumption to say Yeah but my mom will do fine because she treadmills and is in really good shape.... I laughed that if she can be so brave and see the light so can I.
Plus as hubby says this is your start on the road to wellness so that is the truth and the reason I am undertaking this. I once heard a neurosurgeon say it takes a special kind of person to go through more pain in order to get rid of pain so I guess you guys we are that kind of person.
THanks for all the response. I took a hiatus as I felt wiped out Thursday just having been so pent up for so long over this..
Nightie night ...less nervous Nero
Well my surgery confirmed Monday, Nov 10 8a.m.
It feels surreal now ... really like happening to someone else..its been such a long wait and journey.
Dr says he is up to it, even though foot broken, not pinned or casted and he said he books six hours but really I am only under 3 1/2 - 4 ; he just doesn't want to rush.. sounds fine to me.
He is entering through the front a small incision in the bottommost crease and taking bone from from left hip where you can see hip sticking out of your abdomen.
He answered all questions and I feel as confident as you can. I don't why I am this calm maybe its because my 10 year daughter when told by teacher to tell me good luck its a big operation had enough gumption to say Yeah but my mom will do fine because she treadmills and is in really good shape.... I laughed that if she can be so brave and see the light so can I.
Plus as hubby says this is your start on the road to wellness so that is the truth and the reason I am undertaking this. I once heard a neurosurgeon say it takes a special kind of person to go through more pain in order to get rid of pain so I guess you guys we are that kind of person.
THanks for all the response. I took a hiatus as I felt wiped out Thursday just having been so pent up for so long over this..
Nightie night ...less nervous Nero
mistyone
11-08-2003, 06:57 PM
Hi folks, Mistyone, Beev...et al
Well my surgery confirmed Monday, Nov 10 8a.m.
It feels surreal now ... really like happening to someone else..its been such a long wait and journey.
Dr says he is up to it, even though foot broken, not pinned or casted and he said he books six hours but really I am only under 3 1/2 - 4 ; he just doesn't want to rush.. sounds fine to me.
He is entering through the front a small incision in the bottommost crease and taking bone from from left hip where you can see hip sticking out of your abdomen.
He answered all questions and I feel as confident as you can. I don't why I am this calm maybe its because my 10 year daughter when told by teacher to tell me good luck its a big operation had enough gumption to say Yeah but my mom will do fine because she treadmills and is in really good shape.... I laughed that if she can be so brave and see the light so can I.
Plus as hubby says this is your start on the road to wellness so that is the truth and the reason I am undertaking this. I once heard a neurosurgeon say it takes a special kind of person to go through more pain in order to get rid of pain so I guess you guys we are that kind of person.
THanks for all the response. I took a hiatus as I felt wiped out Thursday just having been so pent up for so long over this..
Nightie night ...less nervous Nero
:wave: Hi nero- sweetie it is almost time for you and i will be thinking about you on monday morning!! it will be an early one for you. Just be brave i was and i know youll do ok as it sounds like you got all your ducks lined up in a row.
perhaps you will do better than i did with the bone taken out form the different location, mine was on the back side and yours will be more in the front i guess.
:eek: take care girl and it is a good thing that your bod is in good shape!!
:D GET SOME CORAL CALICUM!!!! I mean that!!! ask your doc about that!!
Well my surgery confirmed Monday, Nov 10 8a.m.
It feels surreal now ... really like happening to someone else..its been such a long wait and journey.
Dr says he is up to it, even though foot broken, not pinned or casted and he said he books six hours but really I am only under 3 1/2 - 4 ; he just doesn't want to rush.. sounds fine to me.
He is entering through the front a small incision in the bottommost crease and taking bone from from left hip where you can see hip sticking out of your abdomen.
He answered all questions and I feel as confident as you can. I don't why I am this calm maybe its because my 10 year daughter when told by teacher to tell me good luck its a big operation had enough gumption to say Yeah but my mom will do fine because she treadmills and is in really good shape.... I laughed that if she can be so brave and see the light so can I.
Plus as hubby says this is your start on the road to wellness so that is the truth and the reason I am undertaking this. I once heard a neurosurgeon say it takes a special kind of person to go through more pain in order to get rid of pain so I guess you guys we are that kind of person.
THanks for all the response. I took a hiatus as I felt wiped out Thursday just having been so pent up for so long over this..
Nightie night ...less nervous Nero
:wave: Hi nero- sweetie it is almost time for you and i will be thinking about you on monday morning!! it will be an early one for you. Just be brave i was and i know youll do ok as it sounds like you got all your ducks lined up in a row.
perhaps you will do better than i did with the bone taken out form the different location, mine was on the back side and yours will be more in the front i guess.
:eek: take care girl and it is a good thing that your bod is in good shape!!
:D GET SOME CORAL CALICUM!!!! I mean that!!! ask your doc about that!!