marlena Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 I have a deeply ingrained phobia of surgery. For years, I would not opt for it no matter what. Until last year, when I had no choice. And you know what? It wasn't bad at all. So often our fears are so much worse than the reality of things. Still, I understand it is a hard choice to make so take your time coming to terms with the idea . Going to a support forum was a good idea. I am also glad that you found the best possible clinic. As for the insurance problem, I am sure that you will find a way to get round that. Be strong and positive and I am sure that, should you decide to go through with procedure, everything will turn out just fine. Link to post Share on other sites
baker23 Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Red, I just wanted to know how you are feeling, and hoping everythibg went well with the new doctor. Keep up the hope; my thoughts are with you, Baker Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 When I did plaintiff's PI work, I had two different clients who suffered from your same condition. They had different surgeons to correct their conditions, both out of Loma Linda in SoCal. Both surgeons were very knowledgeable and quite confident in their abilities - if not slightly arrogant as many surgeons are. They had numbers, statistics on hand to rattle off - the number of surgeries they had performed, the percentage of success, etc. So, I don't blame you for not feeling comfortable with the first doctor who was unwilling to provide you with that information. Quite frankly, it screams of malpractice. One cannot truly give informed consent to a procedure without having an adequate basis upon which to make a decision - and that basis would include the inherent risks involved and the skills of the surgeon. If it gives you any peace of mind, both of my clients came out of surgery just fine. In a lot of pain for a while (in their neck), but all of their other symptoms (numbness, tingling, tinnitis, balance problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches, everything) went away. Anyway, keep shopping around. Link to post Share on other sites
Isolde Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I had never heard of this before, so being curious about medical conditions and such, I looked it up. While the surgery sounds scary, this is the 21st century and they do even more invasive things than this I'm sure (cancer, etc). I even saw a couple of pictures of people post surgery and of course there's a big scar down the head but other than that you couldn't tell anything had been done. Obviously, do your research and I think they said something about endoscopic options, which could really be easier to recover from. Link to post Share on other sites
Author redfathom Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hi All! Thanks you all for your support, it's really overwhelming and very much appreciated. My visit went well...the doctor was very nice, patient, funny, knowledable, and open. With the last doctor I felt that he was omitting a lot of things. The doctor did some nuerological tests and told me my reflexs are very sensative and that I would have balance problems later on. He looked at my lumbar (back) MRI and found that I have two discs in my lower back that will need surgery. Actually he was looking at my back and I have a lower tattoo and he said, "Oh, what a nice tattoo, I would hate to have to do surgery on it." Eeekkkk! But he said since I don't have numbness or shooting pains in my legs that surgery can wait... He said I am a candidate for the Chiari surgery and he said he does believe my symptoms are being caused by it, including my arm pain. Here I thought my tendonitis in my right arm (from my sholder to my fingers) was work related, from typing. My middle finger has been swollen since 2004 and my arm has been in pain...even the hope of that getting my arm better would make the surgery worth while. So many times I have wanted to cry because it hurt so bad! He did say that I don't need to have the surgery now, that when I decided I didn't want to live in pain anymore is when I would know I wanted the surgery. I told him I might start a journal of my pain and when I have more bad days then good would be when I decided it would be time... I told him if I was having a bad day today then there would be no hesitation on my part... We talked about the risks and he said 80% of people have no problems. 10-20% have some issues (stroke, paralysis, nuerological issues, infection, spinal fluid leak requiring a shunt, etc) and that there is a 1-2% chance of death. Which I guess is normal with any surgery. He did say I have to weigh the risks against the benefits and that only I could make the descision. He said I could decide to go through pain management and try to control my symptoms other ways. But like many of you have said, the risk is there if I have the surgery now, or later. At least now I have health insurance, someone to take care of me after surgery, supplemental disability through work to make up for my loss of income, I am young and in otherwise good health. Why take any more risks?!! Oh, except one...I think I might go skydiving before the surgery, since who knows what could happen during/afterwards!!! HAHAHA! My husband and mom think I should have the surgery. A family friend with the same condition said I should have the surgery sooner rather then later... So I am about 70% sure I am going to have it soon, but I want to do some more research and preperation before I call and make the appointment. Thank you all for your support!! Link to post Share on other sites
JamesM Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Thanks for the update. The news seems positive. As for the risk of death, this is actually quite low. And as for complications, this is fairly normal. My view is that since I am usually like everyone else and not very unique, then most likely I will be with the majority. And that means you will be in the 80% group. Link to post Share on other sites
Angel1111 Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 This new dr. sounds way better than the other one. I'm sure he made you feel better and more confident about things. Thanks for the update and keep us posted as to how you're doing. Link to post Share on other sites
Jilly Bean Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hey, Red girl! SO happy to hear you sounding encouraged and positive. This doc sounds like a great guy, with a good bedside manner (which matters!). I totally agree with H, mom and friends. Do the surgery now when your health is at it's best. Your recovery will be a lot easier, quicker, and mitigated by potential complications from doing it at a later date. Plus, as you said, right now you can get the disability, etc. (Skydiving? Crazy!!! lol) Link to post Share on other sites
Geishawhelk Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Red, you sound a lot happier than when you first approached us with your dilemma.... you take care, and keep us posted. We'd love to be with you every step of the way. Hugs!! Link to post Share on other sites
Author redfathom Posted December 22, 2008 Author Share Posted December 22, 2008 Sorry I haven't posted about this is a while. So I scheduled my surgery and go under the knife or bone saw on January 29th. I have been doing a lot of research and talking with my family. My hubby is taking two weeks off to care for me and my retired aunts and my SAHM sister have also offered to stay with me when I need someone or when hubby needs a break. My sisters, mom, and dad are all coming up for my surgery and will stay a few day's stagered while I am up there. My BIL is going to stay at our house while I am at the hospital and we got a cleaning company to come in and clean our house top to bottom as well so the house will be clean and sterile when we get back. I got some new PJ's (flannel) to keep me warm and comfy so it looks like everything is falling into place. All the important details...haha. The only bad thing (which is still an assumption) is that my income on disability will be about $1000 less per month while I am out. I didn't expect the whole amount, but I was hoping for the amount to be close. Anyways, I am excited for it most day's (unless I feel well, then I think I am just nuts)...wish me luck! Also, Happy Holidays! Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 You won't need luck because everything will be okay but I'll still give you my best wishes for an easy time of it! Take care of yourself. Link to post Share on other sites
ShoeGirl Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Hi Red- I just ran across this thread and I am glad you decided to have the surgery. It sounds like the 2nd doc is much better than the 1st one you went to. Since I last talked to you about this I had a patient come into my clinic who had this surgery a few years ago she said that her life is dramatically improved, more than she ever thought it would be, I thought of you. Anyway good luck to you! You will make it through the surgery, no problem! Link to post Share on other sites
Author redfathom Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 Hi TBF, thanks for the well wishes! Shoegirl, that is great to hear! I had a dream last night that I had the surgery and it wasn't painful...haha! My sisters friend was over (her husband has the same condition, as well as degenerative disk desiease which I also have) and she was talking to me about it. She said to stay in the hospital as long as I need too even if they want me to leave, she said if I am not feeling well insit on staying. She also said to make sure I take my pain pills in time, not just when I think I need them. Her husband is having problems again and is going to see his third doctor, but a specialist which will be good. He has the disk fusion surgery for his DDD and he said that was far more painful then the decompression surgery...so I guess I have that to look forward to also...but not for a while, I hope. Link to post Share on other sites
Jilly Bean Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Hey, Red girl! I see that your surgery date is approaching. How are you feeling? Still positive, I hope! Link to post Share on other sites
D-Lish Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 It's a question of the surgeon's reputation, and how much you believe you can trust him. How many times has he performed this procedure? How many of his patients had favourable results? it's your right to ask these questions. It may even be legitimate for you to seek testimonies and referrals..... It's a terrifying decision to have to make, but I would always err on the side of Hope. In your shoes - I'd most likely have it done. Or...ahem...her. Link to post Share on other sites
JamesM Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Or...ahem...her. Women can't be surgeons, can they? Link to post Share on other sites
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