L5 - S1 fusion surgery scheduled.... smoking break required.

[JY0]

I've been dealing with Spondylolisthesis for years. I'm having L5 - S1 spinal fusion in March. My surgeon hasn't mentioned it yet but I expect he will require that I stop smoking 30 days before surgery. As nicotine seems to inhibit bone growth I expect I'll have to abstain after surgery as well.

https://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/surgery/smoking-tobacco-use-cigarettes-spine-surgery

Has anyone here gone though this procedure?

 

Thanks all.

[Burningman]

Best of luck to you and a speedy recovery!

[BrightonCorgi]

Missing/degenerated discs between a couple vertebrae, but doctor says I shouldn't fuse them.   Hopefully that opinion will be the same for years to come.

[Wookie]

Yep, Godspeed and a good recovery!

[stogieluver]

Man, I hate to hear this, Jeff. Hope you can get some feedback, have a successful surgery, and speedy recovery. 

Be sure and keep us updated. 

[PigFish]

I have had a couple of back surgeries. I stopped cigars for a few days, but mainly stopped the anti-inflammatory pain killers as the bones fuse. That was the biggest loss!

Best of luck you you mate. Godspeed.

Cheers! -Piggy

[IanMcLean68]

I have a slipped and degenerated disc at exactly the same place, L5-S1. I have had issues with it pressing up against the S1 nerve root in the past, and had my last bad bout a few years back but has been much improved over last few years through losing some weight and exercises including stretches and squats. So far have not needed surgery to correct it, and I am also hoping it stays that way.

Best of luck to you for your surgery, and here's to a speedy recovery!