IamA 17 year old male who's having a spinal fusion tomorrow. AMA!

Hey, I had a fusion done back in July. I've felt great for months now. No questions, just wanted to let you know it's a lot easier than you're thinking. The worst part is walking on the first day, but even that's not too bad. Expect bizarre pooping habits, but other than that, good luck!

well, i don't walk due to the brittle bone disease, but thanks for the good vibes anyway!

Ah, now I feel like a dick. Sorry about that.

no problemo!

Once you able to go back to normal activity have you considered using weight like for example wearing a weighted vest under doctor's approval. Look at Wolff's Law to see why I said that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolff%27s_law

no, I won't wear that best. if necessary, I'll wear a brace, but I don't know yet.

Well since you are in type III, have they put you on osteoporosis like medicine as for example Boniva, Aclasta, etc. You would to do subcutaneous shots for the rest of your life?

yes, I just had my last aclasta treatment

So how much calcium and vitamin D intake does the doctor tell you to have to replenish those bones?

I don't have to take them.

Good luck man! I had a total spinal fusion thirty years ago and I'm pain free and very happy. Yeah and I gained about 2 inches in height as well. You will do well, the surgery techniques and doctors are soooo much better too.. Take care!

I bet that the techniques have improved in the last 30 years, and that cheers me up. thanks man!

You're kindly welcome enjoy the anethesia !!

sure i will!!

Are you scared?

yes, but I think that it's perfectly normal. actually, I think that not being scared is something to worry about haha.

Is it painful for you to move around?

not at all. I'm having the surgery to avoid future organ compressing and respiratory malfunction.

I have scoliosis as well, and I was just wondering if you consider non-invasive methods of treating scoliosis (physical therapy, chiropractic treatment) a good idea opposed to surgery, particularly when one's curve isn't as severe as yours.

I didn't want to have surgery for obvious reasons, but the doctor explained that the curve is chronic and it worsens with time, which can lead to big problems. also, the less the curve the less difficult the surgery is, so here I am!

I want to ask one question, what thoughts are running through your mind prior to this? Wishing for a speedy recovery and praying for you

I'm a little bit nervous but it's normal, but not scared; I've been through a lot of surgeries in my life. but I have to say that I really hate post-op days, but I have no option...

Best of luck man!

It'd be cool to see the follow up X-ray.

If you have a pic of your back now that would be cool to see with a pic of the after.

yeah.... unfortunately I'm not able to take a picture. but it doesn't look that bad. the left shoulder palate (I don't know if that's the name) came out and it's like a hump. but not a big deal

Jesus, and I thought my scolio was bad, I've only got a 20 something degree curve, if I remember correctly it's been almost half a year since my last visit for it so I don't really remember how bad it is.
How much does your scolio affect your day to day life?

Mine doesn't do much except make my back sore and cause some muscles to be tight, especially in the mornings.

it didn't affect my normal life at all.

I'm getting one next year (100 degree kyphosis and 60 degree scoliosis) and would really appreciate it if you kept me updated I am really nervous.

PM me :)

Good luck! I'm sure everything is going to be fine.

Also, I was wondering: How bad is the brittle bone disease? Is it treatable or do you just need to live with it?

I have to live with it, but that's not at problem. my life is pretty normal, and I'm very independent.

Are you aware they will put a catheter through your penis? I wasn't...

i have catheter in my penis.