canceling surgery

[debbei]

For me it was easier--I was older, and I had progressed quite drastically, and I was having pain. That's what made my decision easy. If I had any doubts that I was doing the right thing, I would have canceled. Granted, I was scared out of my wits, but I thought I was doing the right thing. With my results, it turns out I was right, but who knows that going in?

I think that if you can't come to terms with this and you're not 100% sure you're doing the right thing, you should cancel. Who knows, maybe you won't progress as fast as you think, and you can wait for surgery to advance even further.

((Hugs))

[Lilysaidwhat]

I am very decisive and would always rather make a choice and deal with the fallout than go back and forth. That said, I had the "nonononononononononono" feeling a fair few times pre-op but went forward anyway. The first month was a living hell but now, 4 months on, I am much better off than I was for the last ten years. Can you wait? Sure. Do you want to have it hanging over your head? That's your call.

I think most people come out for the better. I don't know where the apex of your curve is, but be sure to ask about the possibility of having to stabilize the lumbar vertebrae later on. I'm 14 levels fused and have some frustration with movement (I'm still learning new body mechanics and how to bend, etc.) but overall, my pain is startling less than before.

Assuming you are progressing at a rate of a degree a year, you'll be 57* when you're 40. Do you want to dress 57* at 40?

I guess, in the end, you either jump or you don't. Unfortch, with this stuff, you can't just stick a toe in the water and test it out.

I was never 100% sure I wanted to do it. The morning we were at the hospital I wasn't sure I wanted to do it. When I woke up post-op I sure as hell didn't want to do it! But here I am, and while I feel like I've been to the gates of hell (for *me*), I'm not prepared yet to say I am glad I had the surgery, but I am now fully admitting that I FEEL and LOOK better than I did without it.

I'm pulling for you in either case.

[chmesh]

Lily,

I am going forward with it and it's this Wed! I'm still having the nerves, but like you said I think it's normal. I feel good about my decision but am scared too. It's good to hear people feeling happy about their outcomes. I'm hoping for the same but I know nothing is perfect. My pain now is not unbearable so I am prepared to feel some unbearable pain!

I haven't asked about later deterioration. I'll be fused T1-T12. I'm hoping my range of motion isn't too different.
Thanks for your response. I'll let you know how it goes!
Christina

[Lilysaidwhat]

Good on ya! You'll be just fine. Pinky swear.

[JenniferG]

All the very best for Wednesday, Christine! We'll be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing your first post when you're able.

[loves to skate]

Christine,

I will be thinking about you and will say a little prayer for you. I pray for a sense of peace for you tonight and for everything to go well tomorrow. The waiting is the most difficult and hopefully you won't be in any unbearable pain after the surgery. You will do just fine.

Sally