Fusing-when did it start for you?

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marshrose

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What is a bone growth stimulator? What do you mean -do you wear it?

Does it hurt? (I don't have one nor know what it is just curious).

Thanks.
 
took around 12 months for one level to finish, 14 for the other.

guess one was just lazy :)
 
I know everyone starts at all different times, but just wanted to know in general when people on here who have had back fusion surgery, what month did you start fusing? I have instrumentation with a bone growth stimulator and had surgery Dec 9th and nothing has started yet for me.
 
with one level it was like 3 months for me for it to start. it was just a faint ghost image on the xrays at that point. the other level started around 4 months I think.
 
I was told that to fully fuse it would take 12-18 months, I just wanted to know when everyone started their fusing or bone growth. I've heard that if you haven't had anything start by 6 months that it usually won't after that and it is considered a failed surgery. A bone growth stimulator was hooked up with the roRAB and screws inside of me during the surgery to help with thr bone growth preocess. I guess some people get it put in and some don't. Thanks for your answers and well wishes!
 
Hey Mommev38!

I had my fusion on Dec. 29th, and when I went in to my post-op appointment on Jan. 29th (one month later), the doctor showed me in my X-Ray where I had already begun to fuse. I was not NEARLY completely fused at that point, just barely starting, but it was there.

Very fast, but it's probably becasue I was 19 at the time. I've heard of people who take 4, 5 months until their fusion starts to show. Best thing is not to stress about it as it will just put extra strain on your body.

Wish you the best in future appointments! Take care!
 
I had my last surgery March 12, 2008 and they have yet to tell me that I had fused or was fusing!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you get better results the next doctor's appt. but you are still early in your healing.

Linda
 
My 1st fusion was for scoliosis w/Harrington rod. 1979...The old days! I was fused in 12 months. (well, thats how long I was in my cast). Full cast was for 9 months,hips to top of neck and then a half cast for 3 months. I was 15 years old then, when the bones grow faster and it still took awhile. L3 to T4.
My last surgery was Sept. 2008 and I have too say this is going slower. S1 to L3...connected to base of prior fusion. My Doc says this may take awhile considering the nature of prior fusion. Age and conditions play a major role in recovery time and fusion growth. Everyone heals differently but the 12 to 18 month range seems pretty common. I also have a stimulator to help bone growth. Think positive and let me know how your doing. Just have patience.
 
I'm a little over eight months since my one level lurabar fusion. I've worn my bone growth stimulator for thirty minutes every day for the last 230 days and I will continue this regime for forty more days.

At my six month check up there wasn't any growth in the fusions. I haven't run out of hope yet but I'm a little worried.
 
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