Had 6 month post op Cat Scan and X-rays today
Hi all,
This morning I had my 6 month (altho, technically, it has been 7 months) Cat Scan and X-rays for my ALIF at L6-S1. I am happy to report my fusion is successful and almost completely fused! Yeah! Remember, I have severe osteoporosis, but I think the bone growth stimulator, along with my weekly osteoporosis medication, which can reverse bone growth, really helped. My 3 artificial discs look terrific too. So, the clunking sound I am hearing/feeling when I stretch is NOT the screw from the fusion, thank-goodness. The doctor said it is more likely coming from my SI joints. My SI joints do look arthritic on the Cat Scan, which isn't great. This friday I will be returning to the pain management doctor and will also be getting SI joint injections, so I am looking forward to that, especially diagnostically. The fresh air and sunshine in Mexico did wonders for my soul. 
Cindylou
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bicycle accident 6/01: 2 compression fractures @ T12-L1; vertibroplasty; 4/06: right hip labral tear & arthroscopic repair; 4/07: lumbar prodiscs @ 3 levels, L3-6 by Dr. Bertagnoli; 7/02/08: ALIF L6-S1; 7/30/08: reopened to remove bone cement, leaked onto S1 nerve root; 8/08: pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, pleurisy, pleural effusion; ALIF fusion complete; 3/10/09: SI Joint Fusion by Dr. Stark; Jury still out.
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