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  • cannabis affect fusion

    Hi i am not here to offend anyone in any of these forums; but i was just wondering if occasional cannabis smoking will affect my back from fusing completley like cigarettes.

    I am also beginning to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

    I would really like to know. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  • #2
    Hi...

    I don't see any studies on this subject. I think you should check with your surgeon.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

    Comment


    • #3
      Just wondering, isnt the marijuana mixed with tobacco?
      Operation 1966, Fused from T4 to L3, had Harrington rods inserted. Originally had an 85 degree Thoracic curve with lumbar scoliosis as well but had a good correction.
      Perfectly normal life till 1997 but now in a lot of pain daily. Consider myself very fortunate though.

      Comment


      • #4
        cannabis: medical implications

        Here is the link to the National Library of Medicine so that you can educate yourself as to the medical effects. There are a lot of scientific studies.

        Just click on the link and type in "cannabis" in the search box.

        http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...ager&DB=pubmed
        Last edited by Karen Ocker; 08-23-2006, 04:17 PM. Reason: grammar
        Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
        Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi Karen...

          Did you find anything on any interference with bone fusion?

          --Linda
          Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
          Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

          Comment


          • #6
            cannabis and fusion???

            There were so many articles regarding heart/lung(my specialty)that I stopped looking. The anesthetic implications are definite.

            I guess one must get through the operation first and fusion follows. But why take a chance??

            In any case: knowledge is power.
            Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
            Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

            Comment


            • #7
              Cannibis with fusion

              Karen,

              Had wondered if you found anything out regarding this subject, i have only heard about tobacco products whether smoking or non smoking.... ?

              I just had surgery done a week ago, and am not keen on the tablets as they affect my stomach, so prefer to go the other route.

              thanks for any update...

              ready2go

              Comment


              • #8
                Panic!!!

                Um, sorry guys, but what are the anesthetic implications of Cannabis use?

                I am an ex-smoker as of 23rd July and I used to smoke cannabis aswell (its a well documented pain reliever), the reason I'm in a panic is I am due for surgery in Nov this year and am now realy worried about these 'anesthetic implications', what does that mean please Karen???


                Ready2go - If you smoke cannabis rolled with tobacco then the risks on non-fusion are the same as for normal cigarettes. I don't know for definate but I'm about 99% sure that smoking neat cannabis would have the same effect as it is the fact that you are starving your body of oxygen every time you take a drag on anything, and therefore denying your body its full potential for healing. I personally would not do anything to risk my fusion not taking as I am due for a 2nd surgery soon due to 'non-union' of fusion and I wasn't even a smoker when I had my first op, sorry I don't mean to be harsh but theres no point in beating about the bush,

                Kat
                1st Surgery in 1991 aged 15
                Fused T2 to L2
                'S' curve
                Before surgery T39 L49
                Revision surgery 6th Nov 2006

                Comment


                • #9
                  Cannabis=definite health risks to user and possibly their future children.

                  Here is what I found in the National Library of Medicine. If you do not understand some medical terms look them up or ask me.

                  I've had difficulty waking patients up from anesthesia because cannabis stays in the body fat for as long as 90 days---and interacts with anesthesia.


                  Department of Pharmacology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8. harold.kalant@utoronto.ca

                  Recent research has clarified a number of important questions concerning adverse effects of cannabis on health. A causal role of acute cannabis intoxication in motor vehicle and other accidents has now been shown by the presence of measurable levels of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the blood of injured drivers in the absence of alcohol or other drugs, by surveys of driving under the influence of cannabis, and by significantly higher accident culpability risk of drivers using cannabis. Chronic inflammatory and precancerous changes in the airways have been demonstrated in cannabis smokers, and the most recent case-control study shows an increased risk of airways cancer that is proportional to the amount of cannabis use. Several different studies indicate that the epidemiological link between cannabis use and schizophrenia probably represents a causal role of cannabis in precipitating the onset or relapse of schizophrenia. A weaker but significant link between cannabis and depression has been found in various cohort studies, but the nature of the link is not yet clear. A large body of evidence now demonstrates that cannabis dependence, both behavioral and physical, does occur in about 7-10% of regular users, and that early onset of use, and especially of weekly or daily use, is a strong predictor of future dependence. Cognitive impairments of various types are readily demonstrable during acute cannabis intoxication, but there is no suitable evidence yet available to permit a decision as to whether long-lasting or permanent functional losses can result from chronic heavy use in adults. However, a small but growing body of evidence indicates subtle but apparently permanent effects on memory, information processing, and executive functions, in the offspring of women who used cannabis during pregnancy. In total, the evidence indicates that regular heavy use of cannabis carries significant risks for the individual user and for the health care system.

                  PMID: 15363608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


                  Dental School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. choi.cho@student.adelaide.edu.au

                  Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is the most frequently used illicit drug in Australia. Therefore, oral health care providers are likely to encounter patients who are regular users. An upward trend in cannabis use is occurring in Australia, with 40 per cent of the population aged 14 and above having used the drug. There are three main forms of cannabis: marijuana, hash and hash oil, all of which contain the main psychoactive constituent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is most commonly smoked, however it can be added to foods. THC from cannabis enters the bloodstream and exerts its effects on the body via interaction with endogenous receptors. Cannabis affects almost every system of the body, particularly the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems. It also has acute and chronic effects on the mental health of some users. Therefore, chronic abuse is a concern because of its negative effects on general physical and mental health. Cannabis abusers generally have poorer oral health than non-users, with an increased risk of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Cannabis smoke acts as a carcinogen and is associated with dysplastic changes and pre-malignant lesions within the oral mucosa. Users are also prone to oral infections, possibly due to the immunosuppressive effects. Dental treatment on patients intoxicated on cannabis can result in the patient experiencing acute anxiety, dysphoria and psychotic-like paranoiac thoughts. The use of local anaesthetic containing epinephrine may seriously prolong tachycardia already induced by an acute dose of cannabis. Oral health care providers should be aware of the diverse adverse effects of cannabis on general and oral health and incorporate questions about patients' patterns of use in the medical history.

                  PMID: 16050084 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
                  Related LinksAdverse effects of cannabis on health: an update of the literature since 1996. [Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2004] PMID: 15363608 [Cannabis--a drug with dangerous implications for mental health] [Harefuah. 2000] PMID: 10883147 [Adverse effects of marijuana] [Rev Prat. 2005] PMID: 15801396 Psychiatric effects of cannabis. [Br J Psychiatry. 2001] PMID: 11157424 Review of the effects of cannabis smoking on oral health. [Int Dent J. 1992] PMID: 1563817 See all Related Articles...



                  When admitted in an emergency unit, young patients often present acute neurological effects of smoked marijuana. Other chronic adverse effects of marijuana are probably underestimated: postural syncope, arteritis, chronic bronchitis, amnesia. Marijuana may trigger a myocardial infarction and have a vasospastic effect. Marijuana has impairing effects on driving ability. Smoked marijuana is a potential respiratory tract carcinogen.

                  PMID: 15801396 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]




                  CONCLUSIONS: Chronic marijuana usage, on its own or in association with other drugs, was associated with hepatic morphologic and enzymatic alterations. This indicates that cannabinoids are possible hepatotoxic substances.PMID: 15448809 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

                  PMID: 15448809 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

                  " hepatotoxic substances" means liver damage.

                  The most common physical or mental health problems, experienced by 22% of users were acute anxiety or panic attacks following cannabis use. Fifteen percent reported psychotic symptoms following use. Problems related to physical and mental health and control of level of intake were more common than social or relationship problems.

                  From: Drug Alcohol Depend. 1996 Nov;42(3):201-7
                  Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
                  Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    That is a little scary..... I used to smoke cannabis but since i've found out i need an op im trying to quite.

                    Anyone know anything on illegal drugs such as speed, ecstacy etc etc??? Please people don't look at me like im an idiot i don't do it all the time but i use too and now im quitting i would just like some info, cos im a little worried now, that even having them drugs still in me could effect something too.

                    Had surgery May 28th 2007 Anterior/Posterior getting fused from T3 - L3

                    http://curvedgirl.blogspot.com

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Thankyou Karen

                      Thankyou Karen,
                      That info was very informative and helpful. I did do a search myself last night and couldn't find anything like what you have posted.

                      I gave up smoking regular cigarettes on 23rd July because of my upcoming surgery, but I gave up smoking cannabis before that so I'm clear of those 90 days, thank goodness!
                      In the past I looked up a few Cannabis websites to try and find out more information but all the sites just tell you how wonderful it is and don't mention any of the studies you have mentioned, I mean I knew some of the bad stuff but those articles were a real eye opener.
                      I have never smoked while I was pregnant, normal cigaettes or otherwise, the reason I started on the Cannabis was because painkillers from the doctors just don't work aswell as Cannabis, I feel its about time someone found a way of harvesting the positive effects of Cannabis and made them safe for people with chronic pain to use.

                      LEELEE - I don't know anything about the effects of other drugs, sorry.

                      Thanks again,

                      Kat
                      1st Surgery in 1991 aged 15
                      Fused T2 to L2
                      'S' curve
                      Before surgery T39 L49
                      Revision surgery 6th Nov 2006

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        ecstasy and other drugs health effects-Isn't scoliosis enough?

                        From the National Library of Medicine:

                        1: Z Gastroenterol. 2002 Aug;40(8):581-6. Links
                        [Acute liver failure following the use of ecstasy (MDMA)][Article in German]
                        Lange-Brock N, Berg T, Muller AR, Fliege H, Neuhaus P, Wiedenmann B, Klapp BF, Monnikes H.
                        Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Universitatsklinikum Charite der Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Germany.

                        The use of "ecstasy" (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as a recreational drug is increasing in europe since the 1980's. Aside intended psychological effects the use of ecstasy can be followed by symptoms of intoxication; complications include toxic hepatic damage up to acute hepatic failure. This case-report is about a 17-year old female patient who regularly used "ecstasy" over a six-month period. Two days after the last use of "ecstasy", she reported to her general practitioner with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. Within 10 days the patient developed acute liver failure. With criteria for liver transplantation fulfilled she was listed for orthotopic liver transplantation of high urgency which was carried out only one day later. Histological examination of the explanted liver showed evidence for a toxic fulminant hepatitis. After transplantation the patient made a full recovery and was released from hospital on day 26 after transplantation. At the first control after six months the patient was in good physical and nutritional condition, serological parameters were normal and ultrasound examination of the transplanted liver was unremarkable. The ethiopathology of "ecstasy"-induced hepatotoxicity, which can occur dose-independently with a symptom-free period from days to weeks after ingestion is not yet fully understood. Possible mechanisms of hepatic damage include influence of MDMA on body temperature regulation, harmful effects of the substance or further components of the "ecstasy"-tablets on the liver cell or a genetic vulnerability of some individuals against amphetamines and amphetamine derivates. There are no parameters existing which could predict the course and severity of "ecstasy"-induced hepatopathy. Especially in young patients with symptoms of hepatic damage frequent controls of clinical status and relevant laboratory parameters are of great importance. Patient transfer to a specialised centre should follow as early as possible; at the latest, when coagulopathy occurs.

                        South Med J. 2000 Sep;93(9):909-13. Links
                        Cocaine-associated ischemic colitis.Linder JD, Monkemuller KE, Raijman I, Johnson L, Lazenby AJ, Wilcox CM.
                        Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.

                        Cocaine use can result in various gastrointestinal complications, including gastric ulcerations, retroperitoneal fibrosis, visceral infarction, intestinal ischemia, and gastrointestinal tract perforation
                        . We report cocaine-associated colonic ischemia in three patients and review the literature. Including ours, 28 cases have been reported, with a mean patient age of 32.6 years (range, 23 to 47 years); 53.5% were men and 46.5% were women. The interval between drug ingestion and onset of symptoms varied from 1 hour to 2 days. Cocaine is a potentially life-threatening cause of ischemic colitis and should be included in the differential diagnosis of any young adult or middle-aged patient with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, especially in the absence of estrogen use or systemic disorders that can cause thromboembolic events, such as atrial fibrillation.

                        Airway effects of marijuana, cocaine, and other inhaled illicit agents.Tashkin DP.Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1690, USA. dtashkin@mednet.ucla.edu

                        Several substances besides tobacco are inhaled for recreational purposes, including marijuana, crack cocaine, amyl and butyl nitrites, heroin, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine. Abuse of most of these inhaled substances has risen in recent years, thereby increasing concern about potential pulmonary and other medical complications. Regular marijuana use can lead to extensive airway injury and alterations in the structure and function of alveolar macrophages, potentially predisposing to pulmonary infection and respiratory cancer. Crack cocaine use can lead to a variety of acute pulmonary complications, including severe exacerbations of asthma and an acute lung injury syndrome associated with a broad spectrum of histopathologic changes ("crack lung"). Habitual cocaine smoking may also produce more subtle long-term pulmonary consequences due to chronic alveolar epithelial and microvascular lung injury. Heroin inhalation can induce severe and even fatal exacerbations of asthma. Pulmonary consequences of inhaled amyl and butyl nitrites, crystalline methamphetamine (ice), and phencyclidine have been less well documented.



                        1: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001 Dec;159(1):77-82. Epub 2001 Sep 11. Links
                        Comment in:
                        Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Jul;162(2):215-7; discussion 218-22.

                        Recreational ecstasy/MDMA and other drug users from the UK and Italy: psychiatric symptoms and psychobiological problems.Parrott AC, Milani RM, Parmar R, Turner JD
                        CONCLUSIONS: The recreational use of ecstasy/MDMA is associated with a range of psychiatric symptoms and psychobiological problems. However, these problems are not specific to ecstasy users but are also evident in other recreational polydrug users.1: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 Sep;181(3):550-9. Epub 2005 Oct 12.


                        Reasoning deficits in ecstasy (MDMA) polydrug users.Fisk JE, Montgomery C, Wareing M, Murphy PN.
                        School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, L3 2ET, UK. j.e.fisk@livjm.ac.uk

                        RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES: Previous research has shown that ecstasy users are impaired in thinking and reasoning. The present study sought to explore the possibility that syllogistic reasoning errors in ecstasy users were due to an inability to construct a model of the premises due to working memory limitations. METHODS: Twenty-nine ecstasy users and 25 nonecstasy user controls completed abstract syllogistic reasoning problems varying in difficulty. Pairs of premises were provided, and participants were required to generate conclusions that followed necessarily from them. RESULTS: On the easier problems, both groups performed at well above chance although nonusers achieved significantly more correct responses. Consistent with existing research, on the more difficult problems, errors by nonusers were characterised by incorrect conclusions suggesting that while nonusers have the working memory capacity to construct a single model of the premises, this is not an exhaustive representation and usually results in an erroneous conclusion. On the other hand, for all problem types, ecstasy users, rather than produce incorrect responses, were more likely to fail to generate a conclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The present results are consistent with the possibility that ecstasy users with their reduced working memory capacity may experience difficulty in constructing even a single model of the premises. While this might be attributable to the effects of 3,4-methlylenedioxymethamphetamine neurotoxicity, many of the ecstasy users in the present study were polydrug users. Thus, the possibility that other drugs including cannabis and cocaine might contribute to the present results cannot be excluded.

                        PMID: 16025320 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]: J Accid Emerg Med. 1997 Sep;14(5):336-8.

                        MDMA induced hyperthermia: a survivor with an initial body temperature of 42.9 degrees
                        C.Mallick A, Bodenham AR.
                        Academic Unit of Anaesthesia, Leeds General Infirmary.

                        A young male survived hyperpyrexia (42.9 degrees C) following MDMA ("Ecstasy") ingestion. He developed convulsions, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory failure. This was successfully managed by assisted ventilation, aggressive fluid therapy, and the early administration of dantrolene, in addition to cooling measures. This is the first report of a survivor with such a severe hyperpyrexia.

                        PMID
                        Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction.
                        Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          That's very interesting, and I don't doubt it. I have never tried cannabis or any other type of drug but for sure it would be nice if it was safer, b/c I know a lot of people who get relief from it and I know that taking meds isn't that much safer.
                          Last edited by sweetness514; 09-21-2006, 05:10 PM.
                          35 y/old female from Montreal, Canada
                          Diagnosed with scoliosis(double major) at age 12, wore Boston brace 4 years at least 23 hours a day-curve progressed
                          Surgery age 26 for 60 degree curve in Oct. 1997 by Dr.Max Aebi-fused T5 to L2
                          Surgery age 28 for a hook removal in Feb. 1999 by Dr.Max Aebi-pain free for 5 years
                          Surgery age 34 in Dec.2005 for broken rod replacement, bigger screws and crosslinks added and pseudarthrosis(non union) by Dr. Jean Ouellet

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