Originally Posted by
KathyInIowa
Definitely the pain was the determining factor. And, I had they prominent slippage that was very painful which needed to be dealt with. I didn't have any good discs left from L1-S1 and my curve was getting worse by the year. So, with the pain level being so high and the spine continuing to degenerate, I really didn't have a choice other than fusion with hardware.
Also for me - my pain level had gotten bad enough that my quality of life was being affected. It was affecting my mood, my social life - everything. I was basically starting to have no life. That's when they know it's time for surgery. Unfortunately, I had to wait for the 2 weddings to be over. So, I just continued to do everything I could to stay healthy and in shape for the surgery.
Kathy