Nide--I've now seen 3 spine surgeons, and all are in favor of a 360 if I proceed. The two in NY do loads of them, so I'd trust either with the mechanics. It's the bone metaboliism that worries me.

I've been taking a Calcium supplement with magnesium made by life extension foundations, called Bone Restore. This is what it contains:

Serving Size 5 capsules Servings Per Container 30

Amount Per Serving

Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 1000 IU
Calcium (as dicalcium malate, calcium bis-glycinate, 1200 mg
calcium fructoborate)
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 340 mg
Zinc (as zinc amino acid chelate) 2 mg
Manganese (as manganese amino acid chelate) 1 mg
Silicon (from horsetail herb, Equisetum arvense) 5 mg
Boron (calcium fructoborate as patented Fruitex B® 3 mg
OsteoBoron™)

Granted, I do forget it sometimes. Also, I'm taking Acetyl L Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Fish Oil, Flax seed oil, SAMe, 5 HTP (This is my wonder drug), and an AREDS formula of antioxidants including A,C,E, Zn, an Lutein. Folate,
and a multi.

I'm supposed to add no-flush niacin, because my cholesterol is very high, and my doctor is reluctant to put me on a statin. Although I'm beginning to think that a low dose of a mild statin might be just the thing. I've tried diet before, and haven't gotten much change in the numbers.

My carnitine blood levels are always low if I begin to miss it, and it makes a huge difference in energy.

Am I covered? Any other thoughts on improving healing as well as lowering the cholesterol?