Thread: I've decided... no more surgery.

I've decided. I am opting out of surgery. The quote I am about to give has a 50% chance of happening should I go through with it because of the twisting discs at the same time I have compression on the nerves.

Again, the biggest risk of a fusion operation is the lack of adequate pain relief. In addition, fusion surgery may result in the premature breakdown, or wearing out, of the spine above and below the fusion

It's from here, a host of Doctors giving their brief input: Back.com - FAQs - What are some of the complications associated with fusion surgery?

I'll be on pain therapy till I kick the bucket. At least that is manageable.

Sorry you're in pain, I am fortunate, I've never had anything that had any lasting pain. Good luck,

From everything I've ever read...fusion surgery...depending on the cause for the surgery....is rarely successful.

I think you always have to balance the pros and cons...think about quality of life...and do what is best for YOU.

Oberdan you jokester..."Pain Management"? If only there was such a thing that worked....It's a good thing this Sjogrens disease I have has dried out most of my vocal chords or I'd be screaming a good portion of the day from the pain from my muscle disorder.

Ober, I have you in my prayers. I hope everything goes good with you.

Originally Posted by Oberdan

I've decided. I am opting out of surgery. The quote I am about to give has a 50% chance of happening should I go through with it because of the twisting discs at the same time I have compression on the nerves.



It's from here, a host of Doctors giving their brief input: Back.com - FAQs - What are some of the complications associated with fusion surgery?

I'll be on pain therapy till I kick the bucket. At least that is manageable.

Mate that's sad. My good wishes to you ... but should surgery save time/trouble and pain, why not be done with it?

Originally Posted by Desidude666

Mate that's sad. My good wishes to you ... but should surgery save time/trouble and pain, why not be done with it?

An excellent question, which I've pondered for a long time. It's the odds this time around. I've two major surgeries in my life, but the odds were always in my favor.

2 out of 3, I'm worse off.

1. If the fusion works but the spine starts to compress and twist above and below the fused bones, I'll end up bed bound for life.

2. If the fusion fails, I'll end up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

3. If the fusion works, I'll have less pain, but the damage is not reversable. I'll still be using a cane, limited mobility and eventually the wheelchair, just much later down the road.

If I don't have the surgery at all, I retain my current mobility, but large amounts of nerve pain and temporary paralysis every so often that only lasts for a few days at a time. The wheelchair will come anyways, but even farther down the road.

So regardless, the outlook isn't a cool one. I merely chose the one where I'll last the longest on my feet.



Everybody else, thank you for your well wishes. And your prayers. They do help.

OMG! I'm so sorry, Ober. That sucks.

I do believe you're making the right decision though.

yeah dude, i hope it all turn out ok for you. my mum has a bad back problem, she feel off a horse onto her back at 30mph and ever since if she sits down for more than two hours her back muscles stop working properly and dont suport her spine, and she will be in agony for weeks.

just go with the pain killer option, and hope for the best.

Comrade