Need Answers!

[txmarinemom]

Yes, I had some BMP used during my surgery, as well as some of my own bone that he snipped off my fused levels (I forget what they call that.) BMP is supposed to be VERY good at causing fusion.

FYI, the "snipped off bone" comes from the spinous processe of each fusion-involved vertebra.

If you look at a model of the spine (or image of an individual vertebra), the spike-like protrusions off the back of each vertebra is a spinous process. There are slight shape differences in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas (due to functionality), but they're still fairly easy to identify.

With me, they used a combination of these "leftovers", allograft (cadaver bone) and rh-BMP2. Absorbable collagen sponges (ACS) soaked in BMP are placed before they pack the graft, and it I believe it definitely hastened my fusion.

I know by 2 months, most of my major restrictions had been lifted ...

(BTW, you can clearly see the clipped spinous processes and placement of BMP soaked ACS in my surgery photos ;-)

Pam

[Doodles]

Mike--
Just echoing Jennifer's thoughts here. Sure hope you get a better understanding of what you are dealing with after you get blood tests back. Your confidence in your doctor is going to be a big part of your decision. Sorry you have so many complications to your decision. Good luck. Janet