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Understanding surgeon speak and the different approaches to fusion
I have consulted many surgeons because I have serious concerns about having fusion since I have osteoporosis. I found out there are at least four types of fusion and I would like to understand them better and what would be the best for me. Can someone elucidate on TLIF, ALIF and XLIF ?
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I’m having some issues from the surgery that are probably due to my age, 72. Other than that, I am doing quite well at 2 months. I have the usual restrictions, don’t bend, don’t twist and don’t lift over 8 pounds, but I am quite pleased with my progress.
I had the same problem with my pain med doctor. I did not understand half of what he was saying.
I did 2 things.
1- I talked to the PA for my doctor. She was excellent in explaining the options I had and what the doctor would do in the surgery to correct them. If your doctor has a PA or APRN make an appointment with them
2- I went on the patient portal and downloaded his summary of my problem and solutions. Yes it was mostly medical terms but I went on line and looked up just about every word.
hope that helps you
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1 Reaction@jenatsky
This thread is a bit old, but I will look up that Doctor a Northwestern. There are risks to having fusion with osteoporosis. One surgeon told me he was wary of working with me but others haven't. Were you on medication for Osteoporosis for a few months before the surgery ?
I had my surgery in 1990 after falling in 1988. I was much younger and it was doubtful I had OP at the time. I’ve been offered to switch my stainless steel bars for titanium but at 73 without a need I’m not doing surgery again.
@htolan
I can't remember if you said you had osteoporosis. Please let me know. Thanks
Yes, I do have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
@htolan
Well I'm trying to figure out if it was you that saw the doctor at northwestern and it was a successful fusion and if you had osteoporosis when you have the surgery.
Yes, I had scoliosis fusion at Northwestern and I am considered osteoporosis because I have had so many fractures. Following a CAT scan, my doctor said my spine looked good enough to do the surgery. I believe parts of my body are worse than others as far as my bones go.
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1 ReactionHas anyone had nerve blockers ? My doctor says we should try this for L4 L5 S1. Had cortisone shot which caused a worse pain as it was happening- the pain that was worse in the calf that day shot down the leg, up to the thigh and then returned to the calf worse than ever. Had cortisone with epidural and no better. Now going to give nerve blocking a try. Opinions please?
@carolinec
I am going to ask for a nerve block also. The epidural didn't do much. Good luck to us both !