Hello,
I have been reading everything and anything I can on this forum and want to start out saying what a blessing all of you are. I have been toying with the idea of posting my position or just keeping it to myself, and have finally got up the courage to begin my own thread. I think that it will be one of the best decisions I have made as you guys and gals are just awesome. What better people to share this journey with than those have or are experiencing one similar? Besides, I truly believe in the power of prayer, and this way, I can have prayers from others =)
I was diagnosed with Scoliosis in 1985. I was accepted at the Shriner's Hospital and wore a brace for a few years. Shortly before I turned 18 I was set to have a spinal fusion done by them. I donated 2 pints of blood, quit my job, and did all of the preops etc. The night before my scheduled surgery, they sent me to have an MRI done, and for whatever reason they decided against doing the surgery at the last minute. I had my mind on other things, and don't recall why they made that decision, and have been regretting not keeping track of why ever since. By the time I requested my medical records from them, it was too late, they didn't have them any longer. My mom who was with me at the time, didn't recall why either, and has recently passed away (5/30/14), so I can't ask her anymore.
I have tried to not limit myself because of my disability, but instead have worked full time since I graduated from high school. Unfortunately, some of the jobs that I have performed have been extremely physically intensive and probably things that I shouldn't have done, but when you don't have a college degree, you do what you have to to make a living. As the years pass by, my pain and symptoms have worsened to the point that my husband finally convinced me to begin to see a doctor about my back. Mind you, I went years without seeing anyone about my back, just took Doan's and Ibuprofen when I needed to. I also have PTSD and severe depression due to a traumatic childhood and previously abusive marriage and relationships. A couple of years ago, I had to quit working as between my physical pains and mental issues I could no longer hold down a job. When I first started seeing my dr, I didn't have any insurance and wasn't working. He referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who referred me OHSU. Well, OHSU no longer accepts low income patients, so I could go no further until I got insurance. I finally got insurance and got an appointment at OHSU 6 months out. I have met with Dr. Hart at OHSU twice, and I do think he is a good surgeon. Unfortunately, because of my mental issues, he is going to talk with my therapist before we can discuss scheduling a surgery. I get that, I realize how intense this surgery is, and that you have to be emotionally ready for it. Basically, my pain has become debilitating and I am trying to decide if I should have a spinal fusion done. My Dr says I need Posterior from T4-S1 and Anterior from L5-S1 and it will all be done in one surgery. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being easiest, my surgery rates a 9!!! I just have so many questions and thoughts running through my head though.....
How do you know that you are making the right decision (to have surgery or not have surgery)? How do you decide when the right time is?
I will sign off for now, and thank each and every one of you in advance for any advice & support you can lend.
I have been reading everything and anything I can on this forum and want to start out saying what a blessing all of you are. I have been toying with the idea of posting my position or just keeping it to myself, and have finally got up the courage to begin my own thread. I think that it will be one of the best decisions I have made as you guys and gals are just awesome. What better people to share this journey with than those have or are experiencing one similar? Besides, I truly believe in the power of prayer, and this way, I can have prayers from others =)
I was diagnosed with Scoliosis in 1985. I was accepted at the Shriner's Hospital and wore a brace for a few years. Shortly before I turned 18 I was set to have a spinal fusion done by them. I donated 2 pints of blood, quit my job, and did all of the preops etc. The night before my scheduled surgery, they sent me to have an MRI done, and for whatever reason they decided against doing the surgery at the last minute. I had my mind on other things, and don't recall why they made that decision, and have been regretting not keeping track of why ever since. By the time I requested my medical records from them, it was too late, they didn't have them any longer. My mom who was with me at the time, didn't recall why either, and has recently passed away (5/30/14), so I can't ask her anymore.
I have tried to not limit myself because of my disability, but instead have worked full time since I graduated from high school. Unfortunately, some of the jobs that I have performed have been extremely physically intensive and probably things that I shouldn't have done, but when you don't have a college degree, you do what you have to to make a living. As the years pass by, my pain and symptoms have worsened to the point that my husband finally convinced me to begin to see a doctor about my back. Mind you, I went years without seeing anyone about my back, just took Doan's and Ibuprofen when I needed to. I also have PTSD and severe depression due to a traumatic childhood and previously abusive marriage and relationships. A couple of years ago, I had to quit working as between my physical pains and mental issues I could no longer hold down a job. When I first started seeing my dr, I didn't have any insurance and wasn't working. He referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who referred me OHSU. Well, OHSU no longer accepts low income patients, so I could go no further until I got insurance. I finally got insurance and got an appointment at OHSU 6 months out. I have met with Dr. Hart at OHSU twice, and I do think he is a good surgeon. Unfortunately, because of my mental issues, he is going to talk with my therapist before we can discuss scheduling a surgery. I get that, I realize how intense this surgery is, and that you have to be emotionally ready for it. Basically, my pain has become debilitating and I am trying to decide if I should have a spinal fusion done. My Dr says I need Posterior from T4-S1 and Anterior from L5-S1 and it will all be done in one surgery. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being easiest, my surgery rates a 9!!! I just have so many questions and thoughts running through my head though.....
How do you know that you are making the right decision (to have surgery or not have surgery)? How do you decide when the right time is?
I will sign off for now, and thank each and every one of you in advance for any advice & support you can lend.
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