Low Vitamin D Levels After Spinal Fusion Surgery

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DAJ819

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I had a 2-level fusion on March 31 and when I went for my check-up in June I was 11 weeks post-op and my x-rays showed very little fusion. My surgeon said sometimes it takes longer to show a fusion. Just this last week, I received a call from my primary care physician's office regarding the results from recent lab work. Those results showed a deficiency in my Vitamin D levels. I think my levels were either 10 or 14.

Could that possibly be why I am slow to fuse? Has anyone else had a drop in Vitamin D levels after spinal fusion surgery? Is this normal?

Thanks.
 
I was found to have low vitamin D levels last year, but I fused nicely and rather quickly, so I don't think you need to worry too much about that. I took a bolus of vitamin D once a week for three months and then got checked again. My levels were fine then, but I was told to take extra vitamin D everyday from now on.

Just my experience...
Emily :)
 
I would think it could absolutely have something to do with it. I would be sure to notify your surgeon and see what he thinks and if you don't mind please come back and post. This has my curiosity up. I can see it now, we all will be running to the doctors to have our vitamin D levels checked. :D
 
I would think that having good levels would be helpful to a fusion, as I remeraber my Dr. telling me to eat high protien and to take my vitamins for the 1st 3 months...but I also know that it often takes up to 6 months to even begin to see a start to the fusion. So, I would not be too worried about it, just tell your surgeon about your results and see how you can up your D levels.

Please keep us posted.

Lorie:angel:
 
Thanks for all the responses. My primary dr. called me in a prescription for Vitamin D. I take 1 pill a week for the next 3-months. My surgeon wants me to have x-rays the first week in August and then come back and see him. I will definitely take a copy of my lab work to show him and will post again after that appointment.
 
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