Off for my smurf shot tomorrow

[Cindylou]

I sure don't want to be the one crying wolf, however, osteoporosis can, unfortunately, come on more rapidly with age, inactivity, and hormone deficiencies. Katie, do you mind me asking you if you are menopausal? Obviously, you still need the surgery and the doc can use bone cement (I have it in me) no matter your diagnosis....I just think at some point you should get a new bone density since you are 54, and especially if you are menopausal. I always had excellent bone density results too until menopause hit. And my dexa scan actually was not accurate at all 2 years ago when I had my lumbar adr's. Dr. Bertagnoli absolutely required a very current Dexa Scan and mine on paper looked awesome. I can even remember the nurse telling me when I got off the scan table, "gee, whatever you're doing, keep doing it. Your results are great." Only to fly to Germany and have Dr. Bertagnoli cut into me and discover my bones were extremely porous and soft. I thank God and my lucky stars that he knew what he was doing given the surprises that awaited him. If I'm completely daft on this I'm sure Justin will pipe in. Do you have a surgery date yet? Altho it will be tough, I think I too would go for both surgeries at once, unless the surgeon finds it to be contraindicated once he opens you up. Thinkin' boutcha honey.

[KBear]

CL- That makes sense.
hmmm.... definitely something to think about Katie. And I don't have a clue regarding your last question, sure Justin will know.

[Katie]

Just got up for a pee break and saw your notes, so thought I'd answer now

Thankfully I'm post menopausal, well past it because of an almost complete hysterectomy in 2003. The ovary that was left was pretty useless after surgery and is probably as full of cysts as the one they took out, as I have a fair bit of pain there. I've had no hot flashes, etc. for several years now.

So the bone density test was done almost five years after the hysterectomy. Do you think that would make much difference?

I'm leaning towards getting everything done at once also, but as you said, things may change when he gets in there. I'm stunned that your 'real' situation was so different than what your tests stated, CL. What was the reason behind that, did Dr. B say??? While I'm staying optimistic, I'm aware that Murphy's Law rules my life

I still have to get the results of the blood test for metal allergies before I get a date, so that the doctor has time to go through things, especially if I am positive for one or more of the metals. This could get interesting, right Mr. Murphy?!

Thanks so much for the positive and kind thoughts. It means more than you know. Now go to bed, both of you!

[Cindylou]

Oh, yes, yes, yes....the blood test for the metal allergies. Is this scheduled yet? Since you are menopausal (meaning....oh, you know the definition of menopause), then I still think a bone density is in order. "What say you, Justin?" he he

[Katie]

I have to coordinate both the lab and my friend with the FedEx flight, hopefully tomorrow morning, to get the blood drawn and shipped off quickly. My local medical lab will not cooperate since I don't have a doctor ordering the blood tests, so my friend, who's very experienced in it, will do it for me.

This is the biggest speed bump in the whole process. If this shows I'm too reactive, then everything is up in the air. So fingers crossed please!

CL, the chances of getting a bone density done here within six months are pretty slim, so we'll just have to go with what he finds when he gets in there, I guess. I can't handle one more delay at this point, and he doesn't seem to be concerned, with using the cement as insurance. I was going to say I hope he knows what he's doing, but I won't let that negative thought eat at me now. Full power ahead!

[Cindylou]

Yes, absolutely Katie. Full speed ahead. I totally agree. Too many speed bumps. I didn't mean before surgery necessarily. Just good info for you to have at this stage of your life. I think you are in excellent hands honey. The clock is ticking...........

[Katie]

Thanks kiddo! And yes, you are right about having another test for reference sake, for comparison. This likely won't be the last back surgery I'll be facing in my life by the looks of my MRIs.

All the support means sooooooo much! Hope you are doing well too.

And my friend recommended a good lab that I didn't know about to draw the blood tomorrow, as she is a little rusty and is afraid of blowing a vein. Six 10 ml tubes! The local lab has had problems drawing enough for small tubes in the past, and have had to use the back of my hand. I hope my veins cooperate tomorrow!