Any input greatly appreciated. (Possible 3-level Fusion)

**Rob** · 08-23-2010, 11:21 AM

Hi Bob,

Sounds like you've done your homework!:^) If you're interested I wrote a synopsis of my ALIF experiance. Justin posted it for me (it was too long for me to post) under 'Sugical Outcomes' on 7/14/10 and it's titled "Rob's ALIF experiance...". If you read it hopefully it will provide something useful for you.

For general reference, and if you don't mind the question, what's your doctor's name?

If I can help in any way please let me know.

Wishing you a speedy & painless recovery!

Best regards,

Rob

**Toolturnr** · 08-23-2010, 02:36 PM

Thank you Gilbert, CL and Rob for your supportive posts. Rob I did read your post on your surgery. What a great way to let others know what they will be facing.

It also brought up a couple of questions that I called my surgeons office today to get answers too.

My Dr. is Dr. Garvey at Twin cities spine. Here is a link to his qualifications and info. Twin Cities Spine Center | Timothy A. Garvey, MD
Just spending the day trying to pay bills ahead of time, pack and get everything set for Wednesday!!
Just curious Rob, were you or are you a smoker. I am and am doing my best to quit before surgery. Guess i will definitely quit in hospital and after. Its just real hard having a wife that smokes alot but I know i can do it!!! I dont want anything slowing down recovery and from what I have read smoking will.
Am worried about this morning..I started eating my cereal and had used a brand new gallon of milk.. My cereal tasted a little funny and i thought It was because I emptied the box and my mouth is kinda sore from some meds im on. But when I took a swig to wash down my medications oh my goodness did I find out where the bad taste was coming from. Milk was soured even though date was still ok and it was a new gallon. Needless to say the garbage disposal got the rest of my breakfast.. Now Im hoping I dont get sick from it. Thats all I would need is my surgery to be put back because of spoiled milk...lol

Hopefully if anything it will just clean me out before surgery.

**ajj1001** · 08-23-2010, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Toolturnr

Now Im hoping I dont get sick from it. Thats all I would need is my surgery to be put back because of spoiled milk...lol

Hopefully if anything it will just clean me out before surgery.

You should be ok, it will just like having had yoghurt or soured cream, not pleasant if you aren't expecting it but not harmful.

I craved both milk and cheese (not something I'm that keen on) post fusion, I'm not sure if it was my mind or my body making me want them!

**Rob** · 08-24-2010, 11:17 AM

Hi Bob,
I smoked 3-4 cigarettes (not packs) a day for the past 15-20 years. I smoked up until the day before surgery (March 14th). I haven’t had a cigarette yet, but I probably will as I enjoyed it and didn’t feel like 3-4 cigarettes is that bad. However I’ll absolutely wait until I receive confirmation that I have completely fused.
I always say everything in moderation!:^) Okay anti-smokers out there, please don’t start with all the of it’s still not good for you’s, if you already quit why start again’s, any amount is bad for you’s…!:^)
I think the pain meds made it easier not to smoke. Whether they do or not it probably will help if you convince yourself of the same.
Bob wishing you a pain free speedy recovery. If I can help pleased simply let me know.
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow!:^)
Regards,
Rob