Am I crazy to be going forward?

  • Thread starter Thread starter srlawrie
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srlawrie

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I am a 42 year old male that has had 2 surgeries at the L4/L5 level in 8 years and no relief. In the last year I've had 3 different types of Physical Therapy, many medication changes and dropped weight from 218 to 173 currently.

I've also taken up hiking in the White Mountains to give myself an encouraging way to get out of the house, spend time with my younger brother and you can't beat the views and sense of accomplishment when you arrive at the top. A handful of these are winter hikes with show shoes, micro spikes and crampons.

With all that I've been able to accomplish in the last year my pain subsides to the point of extra medications, not being able to sit long enough to do my job without fidgeting, changing postures, getting up to walk down the plant and back and still have pain just possibly a little less for a few minutes.

I stay active with the belief that I refuse to let this get in the way of my daily activities and social life. Little do most realize around me the actual searing pain that it creates.

I have been scheduled for an L4/L5 Fusion on the 28th of July and I have to wonder, am I doing the right thing? Everything I've done the last year has put me in the best shape possible (something other than round) for recovery but I do still wonder will I be better off or I am risking trading in my present level of pains and discomforts for a whole new realm?

Rhetorical question and hinRABight is a great thing to say however it doesn't help me now.
 
I have often asked myself the same question at times.
I have been thru 6 spine surgeries to date. My 3rd and 4th surgeries involved placing Harrington RoRAB in my lurabar spine and in my cervical/thoracic regions.
Prior to surgery people thought I was nuts for going thru with the surgery. One doctor while he didnt' talk me out of the surgery expressed concern regarding putting metal roRAB into my spine. His concerns were valid
But it got to the point that I knew something had to do be done. My quality of life was disasterous. While I knew the risks in my heart I knew what was right and never regretted going thru the surgeries that I did.
You have to ask yourself what is your quality of life like now? Do you want to stay the way you are or do you hope to improve your situation? Yes weigh the risks but in your heart you will know what decision is right for you.
Good luck.
 
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