Both top NY surgeons have told me I need total fusion, my discs are degenerating, I have stenosis at L2 and L3, have osteopenia, am 55 and have an s curve of 62/58 that was at 40 degrees 12 years ago. I have pain, but functional. I am able to work full time, do mostly everything - but they both said the longer I wait, the harder the recovery and further complications can arise. I have the right insurance now to do it at the hospital I would prefer with Dr. Boachie. My job, however, is in transition as most companies are and by next year or so who knows if I will have a job here or what our insurance will be. The practical side of me says do it, you will have it done and be straight and don't have to worry. The other side says, wait until the pain is really bad. When I read about the complications that so many people face after surgery, I don't know if having the surgery will leave me worse than how I am now. Yet, I know surgery is inevitable. But do I jump in and just do it? I know Linda Racine has said that the people who feel better with their outcomes are the ones who are in more pain going in. So, do you wait until the pain is really bad? I will be older, not sure how my health will be and not sure what insurance I will have if I wait a few years. But, I would hate to have the surgery and a year later be in more pain than I started. So confused.
I go back and forth and feel so tormented by it all. I am alone - no family, single and so there are challenges in that and also need a job to support myself.
Any feedback would be so helpful. With gratitude!
I go back and forth and feel so tormented by it all. I am alone - no family, single and so there are challenges in that and also need a job to support myself.
Any feedback would be so helpful. With gratitude!
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