Jess, Karen, Sally, Jenee & others,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind advice. It really is reassuring to hear from people who have been through this, as well as those who are just knowledgeable about the subject. I agree about the issue of pain perception. I have been trying to remember what it felt like for the month or two last year that I had bad sciatica. If I can hold on to that memory, it helps me better understand why this surgery is necessary!
As you say, I should do this while I'm young(er), and not delay until I loose bone density, etc. Also, I have a good support system now, and who knows what will happen in the future. Thanks again! I'm sure I'll be checking back in the next weeks before the big day.
Best,
Evelyn
age 48
80* thoracolumbar; 40* thoracic
Reduced to ~16* thoracolumbar; ~0* thoracic
Surgery 3/14/12 with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis, T4 to S1 with pelvic fixation
Broken rods 12/1/19; scheduled for revision fusion L1-L3-4 with Dr. Lenke 2/4/2020
Not "confused" anymore, but don't know how to change my username.