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552082 tn?1222262137

fusion that wont fuse

Dear doc; Iam a 43 yr fuel hauler.I had a spinal fusion on my lower back april of 08.This is sept of 08 and the fusion still hasnt fused.My doctor last month drew my blood and sent it to a lab in cali.It came back he said my body was rejecting the bone growth hormone he used.He said i was the first he'd ever seen reject the bone growth hormone.He also told me he couldn't take it out.The pain is crazy and dont dare cough or sneeze,I feels like my insides are tearin out.He has me on a fentanyl patch that works some but ot enough,so im in pain all the time.I keep tellin him this,but for some reason he won't give me anything stronger.he supost to send out a bone stimulator out today.Some frends told me it to late for that but I don't know.My doctor told me i was his worst nightmare.My workmans comp.told me I can have a new doctor if I choose to.Doc I dont know what to do but I know I need relief from this pain cause its affecting me mentally.I need help.What should i do?thanks for your time.        chuck
5 Responses
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576452 tn?1219693090
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Get a copy of the actual test he ran.  I am not aware that there are any labs in the usa that can routinely run an antibody test to BMP without very special preparations.  

It gets very complex when you test for antibodies so it is critical to see a specific test result.  Again, I am not aware that there is a commercially available lab test to screen for antibodies to "rhBMP-2" which is InFuse from Medtronic.
Helpful - 1
552082 tn?1222262137
Doc; Yes that was his words antibodies showed up in the test and he couldn't beleive it.My workmans comp nurse told me the same thing.that im the first they've ever seen do this.My workmans comp ins co.is nation wide and im the first they have ever seen this happen to.but my Doc told me he dont know what to do. thanks Doc for your time.
Helpful - 1
576452 tn?1219693090
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Chuck,
It is not likely that you have antibodies or are "rejecting" a bone growth hormone.  Ask your doctor for a copy of the blood test, I would be very interested to see what he did.  I have done research on BMP and have extensive experience using it over the past 5 years.

Sometimes you do not heal a fusion (and don't need to reject the protein).  Sometimes it is poor carpentry and sometimes bad luck.  Smoking or nicotine is very bad for fusions.

You may need to see an expert in your area that deals with failed fusions and has experience with BMP (the bone protein).  
Helpful - 1
552082 tn?1222262137
Dear Doc; Do you see the situation i'm in?This is my Doc's favorite saying "This has never happened before,I dont know what to do.Doc please help

                                                          chuck
Helpful - 0
552082 tn?1222262137
My Doctor didnt think it was either, until he called the company that made the fusion kit.He said there's only one,and its in california.Doc I   will get you a copy of the test please tell me where to send it fax or u s mail?But he says there's sill nothin he can do. Should i ask workmans comp.for another Doctor?       thank you for you time sir
                                                                                                                                                                      chuck
Helpful - 0

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