[Snip]

Kyphoplasty: before or after stem cell transplant?

by Snip on Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:06 pm

I have a bit of a timing question about kyphoplasty and the whole transplant thing: I have one vertebrae that needs to be fixed, and as far as I know, kyphoplasty will be a slam-dunk for that. I may actually have two (not sure on the second). T12 for sure, and T9 maybe.

Anyhow, I am on Round Three of a scheduled 3-round Velcade / dex treatment protocol (the 21-day), after which I am planned to go for an autologous stem-cell transplant, assuming the numbers get there, so maybe another round or two, I am guessing.

Everything I've read about the transplant, and given my current disposition, leads me to believe I will be spending quite some time in recovery after the transplant. My guess is that my single biggest issue in that regard will likely be exhaustion, as I am already there quite a bit. Dex is my saviour in that regard, but even that is starting to be less of a benefit as time goes on. I am really tired.

The dex is also very helpful as a mobility-assist for me. After a few days off, I stiffen right up in the back, my hip hurts, and generally I become increasingly less mobile. It's because of that collapsed vertebra at 12. As swelling comes up again, the nerve issues come very much into play for me. The kyphoplasty will solve that, as far as I know.

Given that after the transplant I will be off dex (right? Should ask my doctor, eh?) I am quite concerned that not only will I be exhausted for months, I will also be increasingly in discomfort and with real movement issues.

So my question is whether it makes sense to have a kyphoplasty procedure done before or after a stem cell transplant?

[Chip]

Re: Kyphoplasty: before or after stem cell transplant?

by Chip on Thu Jun 16, 2011 10:03 am

John:

I've had four kyphoplasties done in two separate operations. I had fracture in my thoracic and lumbar vertebrae as a result of my multiple myeloma. I've also had a more serious star burst compression fracture that was not treated by a kyphoplasty, but was stabilized with implanted titanium instruments.

From my experience:
1. The procedures were easy and straightforward. They were a short stay in the hospital. Recovery was very fast. The procedures were painless.

2. Results for me were a dramatic drop in pain and much greater mobility.

3. The physician who performed the kyphoplasties was trained and very experienced with the procedure. I discussed the procedure with my oncologist as well and she recommended the kyphoplasties.

4. Results for me was better with the kyphoplasties than the titanium instruments.

5. I had the procedure done while I was taking round one and round three of the initial myeloma treatment. It did not interfere and I believe having better pain control and better mobility helps.

I recommend you, your spine physician and oncologist discuss it, if you all agree it is right, it may help you as much as it help me.