My doc is recommending spinal fusion for my back

 

A guy at work just had this done a few weeks ago. He said it wasn't very pleasant. He is back to work now, doing half days shuffling papers for a while. I forgot how long he said it will be before he is back 100%. He did mention that the doc told him they can actualy add to your height by a few inches when they do it

 

That would be a plus! I lost a little hight as the disc has completely collapsed.

Ill go tell Ginny that I can get a couple inches added during surgery! Im sure she will be thrilled!

My understanding is that it isnt too fun post surgery and beaucoup drugs are required.

My buddy is Worcester PD, he had a very invasive spinal surgery on 2 non consecutive discs and was out of work for 10 months. They dont have light duty options from what he told me which is why he was out soo long. Even light duty he would have been out for a few months.

 

Yeah, light duty sucks. He is lucky they don't have that. But, we have unlimited sick time though, so they do it to curb mis use of sick leave I guess.

 

Shug,

A guy at work just had some kind of surgery, which I think was an alternative to a fusion. I'll find out the name of the device he had implanted. Some kind of flexible thing with screws in a cage like device.

He too has long recuperation with a lot of doing nothing for many months to come.

Sorry to hear your problems have not improved.

 

i would avoid fusion at all costs.. i saw on tv that they could put in a fake disc in place of your old one. have you talked to your doc about that?

 

Height dude, not length

 

Disc replacement surgery is currently considered experimental and is not approved by the FDA. It is being done, mostly in Europe. It is also done at New England Baptist, but it is an experimental procedure, meaning insurance wont cover it. I did quite a bit of reading on it recently. It wont be an option in the US for a number of years.

 

Damn it!


Glad I can see some humor in all this.

 

PM sent, Shug.