Surgery June 23 or 30 with Dr. Purnendu Gupta in Chicago

[CHRIS WBS]

Well I did it. I scheduled surgery when I met with Dr. Gupta yesterday. What a long day. My sister and brother who live in Madison, WI accompanied me. Now I know why it’s mostly women who end up having this surgery. I thought my twin brother who is 6’2”, well-built and athletic was going to pass out. Men simply cannot handle this as well as we women do. I feel good about my decision to move forward with this and I’m extremely confident in my surgeon of choice. Thanks everyone for your support.

Chris

[Singer]

Way to go, Chris!! I'm so happy that you are ready and confident in your surgeon. These few months are going to go fast so buy your grabbers now!

Does Dr. Gupta plan on a posterior approach?

[Sharshe]

I'm so happy for you! You know you'll have a ton of support from everyone here.
Its taken me well over 10 years to make the same decision. Now I can't wait.

[lelc2002@yahoo]

I am very glad that you have made your decision. That is one of the hardest parts..to decide yes or no. I felt much better, kind of relieved in a way after I decided it was the right move for me...
Plus you had that sign(roses). I strongly believe in signs that lead us down the right path....Ly

[Susie*Bee]

That's such good news!

Chris-- I am so excited for you! That (to me, anyway) seems like the main hurdle-- the rest of it will now fall into place. I'm a visual person, and what helped me once I got the date set, was to make myself a little one page calendar (mine went from Jan. to mid May) to plot in happenings at work, family stuff, getting things done at the house, etc., and of course, surgery related things-- so I could see it all in a glance... Of course, the best laid plans... they upped the surgery by a week, but it was ok too. Keep us posted with your plans, concerns, questions, whatever. Take care!

[JoAnn5]

(((hugs))))

I can imagine that you are glad that you finally have a date and that the decision is made,,,, but bet you are also terrified. Here's where your faith comes in... Just don't let any negative "what-if's" come into your thoughts. So many of us have been thru it and come thru just fine, so will you!!

You can use me if u want to.... Just say to yourself..."If that WIMP, JoAnn, can do it, i know i can too!!"

I'll be watching the forum for your postings and will be glad to help in any
way if i can. We are all pulling for you!

[flowerpower]

Chris,

Best wishes to you on your decision to move forward with surgery. You have been contemplating for quite a while, so either way it must be a relief to make a decision and move forward. I'm sure you will be very well prepared, and of course you will have all the support and prayers from the "forum folks".

Renee

[txmarinemom]

Congrats on your decision, Chris. Singer's right ... it will pass quickly!

You can do this ;-).

Regards,
Pam

[CHRIS WBS]

Ladies,

Thanks for all your comments and well wishes. Considering that I have an 80º curve that has shown fast progression the past decade (I can tell by how my body has changed), I think I would be foolish to ignore this. It will only worsen and possibly lead to more problems in the future. Additionally, I really don’t want to become any more deformed than I am now if I can do something to prevent that from happening.

Chris, yesterday Dr. Gupta reiterated his stance for posterior only and I trust his judgment. No, I will not get the kind of correction that you got, but I’m pushing 60 and I would be satisfied with a lesser correction and a faster recovery. I will require a fusion to the sacrum and he told me that in itself will not be a walk in the park. Where have I heard that before?

[geo]

Wow, Chris. I know what a monumental decision this is for you; I've been following your posts since I first came on here at the beginning of 2007. I wish you the very best, and I hope you feel peace.

[Geish]

ChrisWBS
I'm so glad you made the decision to move forward! You are going to do just great! And fusion to the sacrum isn't so bad...I just had to learn how to do some things a new way. Its been a bit rough, but I'm getting there, and soon I have no doubt I will be able to do all of the things I did before. Again, just in a new way. If you want any info on life after fusion to the sacrum I will be happy to answer any questions that I can, even those embarrassing personal ones, just send me a PM. Good luck with your surgery and a new improved back!
Alicia

[JanL]

Hi Chris,

So glad you have come to your decision and that you have such confidence in your surgeon. We are all here for you. And I know you have a local support group in Chicago. Keep us posted!

[JamieR]

Good for you !

I think it's great you are moving forward with surgery, especially with such a large curve I think you are right to take care of it now rather than later. It is such a good feeling to have confidence in the doctor you have chosen. Good luck, the time will be here before you know it.

[trulyaries]

Good on 'ya, Chris! You've passed the biggest hurdle -the decision. Please keep us updated on your progress.

[Singer]

Chris, I'm so glad you're avoiding the dreaded anterior cut!!