I am wondering about something. I have significant osteoporosis. I wonder how will that work into a have to surgery? Surely a plate, bolts and screws wont hold up long like that. Unless they choose to fuse it all but still wondering if that would hold. I am curious if you know of anyone else facing or faced a surgery with significant osteo and how it is holding up for them. I may end up posting that question. I just went this week and did a new bone density, haven't gotten the results yet to see if my meds are helping it any.

That is something I am not familiar with as I have excellent bone density. That would definitely play into the type of surgery and the approach. It may also make you an unlikely candidate for surgery as well. Definitely one of the top questions I would discuss with the surgeon PRIOR to going ahead with it

Yes that will probably be my first question.

[QUOTE=ReeseCup913;931588]I am wondering about something. I have significant osteoporosis. I wonder how will that work into a have to surgery? ]

Hey Resse Cup---actually I was told after surgery I have severe osteoporosis--wasnt shocked I come from a long line of spine patients in our lineage. The Dr got me approved for a Bone Growth Stimulator---which looks like a horse collar--- you wear 4 hrs a day for 4 or 6 weeks If I can remember length of time ---u dont feel anything wearing it but its suppose to really help in achieving a sold fusion, it worked for me. I would just make sure u seek at least 2 consults. Let us know what dr says on this will be intresting to find out since mine was found during surgery .

Thank you mg, I'm so glad ithe Bone Growth Stimulater worked for you. I have never heard of it before but gives me some hope because I was thinking that I might not be a candidate for surgery and that's a scary thing considering any more tightening of the cord will prob result in things I don't want to even think about. But I will remember to ask my Dr about the stimulater. I will let ya'll know what he tells me. Thanx again for this valuable piece of information!

I also had and used the bone growth stimulator!

I'm going to ask about it! Thanx

Yep, what leesa got out of your MRI is about the best that any of us could do. I so hope things turn out for you. I want you to have hope that it will. My surgery turned out good, so it does happen. ginnie

Thanx Ginnie! I do have hope, just kinda afraid I guess. There are so many nice and kind people on this board including you. I am thankful for all of you!

The neurosurgery clinic in Shreveport LSU have very good and qualified specialists. I have been up there several times and have seen them. I feel comfortable with them. But of course I wasn't looking at surgery then either lol. But again, I know they are good. I guess what makes me uncomfortable is that those Shreveport drs are about 3 1/2 hours away from my home so if they send me home the following day and somethings comes up, I have no neurosurgeons around here that will take my medicaid card. That means another trip up there that is not that easy for me to make. But I know the Lord will make a way for everything that I need. Oh me of little faith! He has been so good and come thru for me so many times in the past. How easily we tend to forget sometimes. I know it's all going to turn out ok. Thank you Ginnie for your encouragement! I so appreciate all of you who have talked with me and encouraged me. You guys are awesome!

[Being afraid is very normal. When I came to this site, I was in a panicked state and crying. Terrified, freaking, you name it. The folks here got me calmed down and talked to me as long as I needed to settle down some. They also got me though that surgery with confidence. None of it is easy if you have to go that route, but it can turn out OK.
Not having a doc. in your area, tell your physician that. Let them keep you an extra day in the hospital if at all possible, just to make sure things are OK. These days they shove you out sometimes sooner than you shoud go.
I refused to go, no joke, that second day, the nurse would not let me up to get my own cloths, bathe, saying it was too soon, yet they were ready to send me home. My pain levels were not under control either, so I simply told my doctor, I wanted to stay one more day. No problem! Let me know how you do, and keep that list of questions for your Doc. It will be OK. ginnie