DANGERS OF CONTINUED NARCOTICS USE AFTER SPINAL FUSIONS.

I have written here and here about my personal experience with medication, and have also received several emails and comments with opinions and questions about taking a variety of pills to get through the day. Some of the questions include what are the benefits of having surgery if you still have to take medication afterwards, and many of the statements I get are from people who desperately want to be taking fewer pills. Much, much fewer pills. I got curious and starting poking around.

I came across some articles about the dangers of narcotics use after spinal fusions here, here and here. For those of you who are battling this issue, please read. It is good information.

My personal opinion (from a non-medical practitioner point of view) is that the less medication you have to take, the better. If you can feel 50% better using 50% less medication, that's fantastic. Also, ALWAYS get a second opinion if you are told to get a spinal fusion - this type of surgery is a very big deal.

Talk with your doctor about various diagnostic procedures (like the one I wrote about  in Second Opinion) that can better identify what is causing your pain so that the very best treatment can be provided to you as an option. Most of all, be your own best health advocate, and if you can't, please find someone who will; someone who has the energy, the stamina, and the chutzpah to fill this important role. Ultimately you need to make choices that are best for you, and for what you are experiencing at any given time.

Please take care of yourselves.