8 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

Ok, this may go on a bit, but basically Ive been given the option of neurosurgery to try to reduce my pain and also stop me getting any worse than I am now. It seems to involve an awful lot of bits of metal and pretty barbaric looking practices to be honest. My feeling is to say No thanks, but Im getting such a lot of family opposition to this I dont know what to do.
From my point of view it all seems very risky as it MAY help, MIGHT benefit, SHOULD do some good. I could be out of any kind of action for up to 9 months and I have a 2 year old son. It might not of course do any good at all and might make me even worse. Ive spent the last couple of years getting my life back, doing things, building up confidence etc. I really dont want major surgery now or even in the future unless it was life or death. I like myself and I think have a good quality of life. I really want the medical profession to bugger off and leave me alone for the most part.
My husband thinks I should go for it, My uncle who is a GP rang up last night and berated me for 10 minutes, infact everyone except a good friend who is an orthopeadic surgoen seems to think I should have surgery. My surgeon friend is the only one who advised against it. He said he would never have elective surgery if it were him, and also pointed out that once on this route I would probably have to have continuous follow up operations in the future.
You know, Ive accepted that Im not going to run a marathon... but maybe my family havent yet.
What do others think?
Cheers, Lucy

T12 incomplete

Edited by Lucydog, 19 January 2006 - 08:40 PM.

[wheelie182]

i dont suppose you want advice from an 18yr old ,

but if it was me i would never have any surgery done that carried any risks if it was simply to stop pain,

i would only even think about it if it had better prospects, such as more sensation or more control over muscles,

but of cousre it depends how bad your pain is, and also how bad the risks are

[Joed]

These decisions are always so difficult to make. You didn't mention what this surgery would involve specifically. How invasive would the surgery be? Are you talking about an ablation procedure? Or an electrical stim device implant?

I had the option of surgery to alleviate my pain too, and I opted to take a 'wait and see' stance, thinking my pain would plateau at some point and then I could go from there. Luckily, my worst pain did subside...with the help of a new pain med. I'm glad I waited.

It sounds like you are able to be relatively functional in spite of your pain? For me, that would be the definitive criteria...and how long you've been in pain at this level. If it's only been a few months, then it might benefit you to wait and see where the pain levels are at a later point.

I'm able to do practically everything I want to do. I can participate in my son's activities...well, mostly as an observer, but I can be present without having to have someone rush me back home, or go to lay down in the car. The pain is very much still there, but I'm satisfied in my ability to function in my life now.

I hope you can reach a decision that feels right for you. Your family and friends' thoughts are important to consider, but ultimately it's you who has to be comfortable in how aggressive you're willing to be to control your pain. And keep in mind that you have time to decide...there's no time clock running on this. Give yourself that time to clear your thoughts, educate yourself about this surgical procedure, and weigh all of the possible outcomes and alternatives.

I hope you find real relief from your pain, in whatever form that takes. I have a young son too, and severe pain can sure mess with our abilities to parent the way we want to. Good Luck and blessings.

[Jilly]

I guess you should weigh up the pros and cons. Would the surgery make a huge difference? Is it worth the possible time you would be out of action? What are the risks?

I know it must be hard to have everyone at you about this but dont let them push you into doing it if you dont want to...it is your life and your body - your decision.

[bluebutterflyrn]

Good Luck with your decision Lucy Dog. Don't make a decision based on what someone else wants. You're the one to live the result, whether good or bad.




Wheelie, I can't believe you're only 18! I thought you were closer to my age judging by the music you listened to. (I just turned 29 two days ago)

[Joed]

bluebutterflyrn, on Jan 21 2006, 03:17 AM, said:

Wheelie, I can't believe you're only 18!

I was surprised too, BBR. I'd never have guessed he was such a pup.

I guess wheelie must have a mature 'voice'.

[wheelie182]

Quote

QUOTE (bluebutterflyrn @ Jan 21 2006, 03:17 AM)
Wheelie, I can't believe you're only 18! 


I was surprised too, BBR. I'd never have guessed he was such a pup. 

I guess wheelie must have a mature 'voice'.

yep 18, .........and yeah it sucks because this place is full of OAP's
and whats bbr?

Baby Back Ribs

[Joed]

Quote

and whats bbr?

Baby Back Ribs

That was my abbreviation for bluebutterflyrn...what can I say? I'm a lazy typist.

OK, so what is OAP's?

Old Aged Paraplegics?

[wheelie182]

Quote

OK, so what is OAP's?

Old age pensioners,.........

B