T10 to S1 Fusion Pre-Surgery Medical Treatment Plan
I have been a frequent visitor to this forum for almost 2 years when an orthopedic and neurosurgeon both told me that I was inoperable. I was reffered to physical therepy and pain management.
During this period, I had no relief so I turned my search to surgeons who specialize in spine deformities. My scoliosis is MILD, it says so on the MRI's. But this mild condition has caused a tumbling affect all the way down my spine.
Finally, a year ago I found an orthopedic surgeon who fits the criteria, and he proposed the fusion from T10 to S1. That lead me to a neurosurgeon in the same specialized field who recommended the same surgery with a couple of differences. Neuro Doc wants to perform two surgeries over a two day period that involves three cages and rods, but he also wants me to take tymlos for three months prior to performing the surgery.
This is a lot to comprehend, but please stick with me a minute longer. Prior to Neuor Doc proposing this entire surgery plan, I provided him a copy of my Dexa scan, that was rated very very good with no osteoporosis, and one mention of ostepenia on my femer that barely qualified as osteopenia. I then went to an endochrinologist to review the dexascan and she provided her notes from that visit with the Doctor stating that no treatment plan was necessary and my bone health would not compromise the surgery.
The doctor gave no credit for the endochrinologists report, and insisted that a begin a treatment plan of Tymlos for at least three months before he would schedule surgery.
Has anyone else been confronted with this type of dilema? There have been studies on strengthening bone health prior to surgery that supports better outcomes with this (one was done by MayClinic). But those studies were done on patients who were full blown osteoporosis and would automatically be deemed a very high risk patient for this type of surgery.
I would also like to hear from anyone who experienced failed or revision surgery due to osteopenia or osteoporisis.
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@nlback22
Thank you Nadine for your wisdom and best wishes. I'm getting excited/nervous, day-1 surgery is in the morning. Hope everything goes well, I will post when able after day-2 surgery.
Best wishes to you all!
Darold.
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@daddydar
Harold
I had my t10 to pelvis fusion done 3 months ago at UCSF. It is correct in saying "if you surgeon has done many of these surgeries you are in good hands."
All of my severe pain is gone and have not had any of the sciatica stingers I had in the past.
It will take a lot out of your and the long amont amnistesia will also take some time to get the mind back in action.
Plan a trip 9 months post operation to give yourself something to look forward to and get ready for.
Good luck and God bless.