@marlenec Clearly over time and having frequent steroid injections can’t be good for any of us as they tend to weaken bones, so it’s a catch 22 really. My bone density has been low, but I take Premarin which I believe has helped. Taking thyroid medication increases the likelihood of one of the osteo conditions so what’s a person to do? I take 75 mcg of levothyroxine daily for hypothyroid. ( since age 18). And then if you take bone strengthening medicine that becomes problematic for dental implants!! I will have steroid injections till I have no other choices. I’m a type A personality so if I rest - I rust. I guess that has held me in good stead as moving is good. Teaching K and 1 for 43 years kept me moving as well, although admittedly I wear a large brace with those metal stays to hold me together when I am in a lot of pain. Medical marijuana helps with pain. I am
not a party kind of gal, so my card expired. I tried it twice. Since I have 10 children I didn’t want to have to explain that - although I am sure they would have been fine with it. Everything in moderation is probably ok, so I think infrequent steroid shots are not too problematic. I would say to explore all options before having a fusion. Even nerve ablation is a thought. Seriously, this growing up thing is highly overrated! 🙂 irene5