I will not tell you to quit your an adult. And I am a smoker on my way next week to try to quit for good.

There are documented facts from the medical profession that say smoking will decrease the chance of fusion. As the much needed oxygen you need for bone growth is lessened.

BUT I personally fused fine with my neck fusion.
With my back last year I was not so lucky. So instead of 3 times being a charm. I have decided to stop with my revision coming up.

I did ask my ortho about this when I was there a few weeks ago.
. As with my neck he was totally against smoking back in 04.
He said " he has had patients that have not smoked a day in their life and have not fused" yes I think your chances are higher to not fuse. BUT then again you have people that smoke 24/7 and have done fine.
I "personally" think its the luck of the draw. Just like playing a poker game or gambling.

It's also a very personal choice.

When is your surgery?? And what type??
I wish you the very best of luck!!

Surgery (AxiaLIF) is scheduled for 9/23/08. I personally think a good hand rolled cigar can be a healthy thing. I don't inhale and I only smoke a couple a week. Hand rolled quality cigars do not have any additives like cigarettes do. Just 100% tobacco. They have a nice calming effect which is why I think they actually are somewhat beneficial to my health (at least my state of mind).

one of the surgeons i seen said they will do some kind of test to see if you have smoked, this test would be done before surgery, anyone know?
also my sister was told that if she did not stop smoking the surgeon would have use her hip bone instead of of codiver anyone heard this?

I would think that cigar smoking is less likely to be an issue with healing vs cigs. You don't inhale cigars, but perhaps the second hand smoke your breathing from the cigar could have some adverse effect. I think you'll be fine.....personally

Well comparing the cigarettes with cigar is as if you compare Rolls Royce with Some Volvo car. Because when it comes to cigar you get the feeling of being a part of legacy, class, fame and superiority in every puff but cigarettes are just cigarettes which every other person can smoke.

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Cindy