[phylly]

I had my appointment with Dr. Regan today. He was very nice and also said that the discs should come out if I want the best possible result. He proposed taking them out through the side muscle so as not to risk any vascular injury. He would then do a muscle sparing surgery (sextant) in the back if possible. His plan is similar to the back surgeon I like in orange county. I live in orange county and the appointments I have had in LA have been grueling. After the appointment we called the Dr. here and spoke about the side procedure. He will actually do a very similar procedure, although not through the muscle. At this moment I am leaning toward doing it closer to home and not going with Dr. Regan. Dr. Carlson will be there for me after the surgery and since I am a work in progress, he will be there for me later too I hope. I know that Dr. Regan has had more experience with this but I have already had surgery with a guru and it really didn't help me. So here I am, now scheduled for Feb. 10th. I am freaked out but want to get on with it. It is a 6 hour surgery, front and back. I can only hope for the best and know that my doctors are excellent and will do the best job for me.
Thank you all who have sent info and articles. I want you to know that I devour everything I can read. It is hard to make a decision but at least for now I have. Thank you all for reading my posts and helping me. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
fondly,
Phylly