off the fence - I have a surgery date!

[Diane]

Well, I finally made my decision and scheduled surgery...tired of living like an 80 year old woman. I'm sure you've been there, thinking that you're doing ok and can tolerate the pain but, then come the bad days. I'll be putting myself in Dr. Bertagnoli's hands for a one or two level disk replacement. Scary to think of major surgery but excited to be moving forward. It's a relief to have made a decision and easy with Mark arranging everything. He definitely did not want to make my decision and at times will not say enough, but I can tell by the smile on his face that I've made a good choice. I'm sure my anxiety will increase as the date approaches...March 26th.

Diane

[Maria]

Hey Diane,
I didn't feel like I lived like an 80 y.o. woman during 2006-2007.. it was my first non 80 y.o. year in a long long time tho! But I have such sitting issues that is when I feel like a couple of hundred years old or when I bend over repeatedly, pack, travel and so forth.. guess I've become habituated to my pain and pain meds. It's far too comfortable sometimes to live like I do vs. taking the chance re more spine surgery however since you've only recently hit the back pain outta work scene then your choice seems like a great one to me~ no use getting stuck in this nether world if you don't have to!

[sahuaro]

Wishing you all the best towards a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. I know well the strong ambivalence and then my symptoms "disappeared" the week before surgery. The findings when the surgeon got in there left little doubt that I had made the right decision. You are in great hands.

[dshobbies]

Diane,

Most of us spend years suffering before taking that leap, wasting precious time, especially with a granddaughter who needs Grandma's special attention.

Aside from my leg which was an extreme complication (I know of only 1other similar problem) my biggest recooperative obstacle was in the bathroom arena. In retrospect, that's not too bad though going through it was difficult. The trick is finding the right combo of laxatives. Should this become your problem, just post it and I'm sure you'll get all the suggestions you can use. Everyone's different so try them all. I hope your surgery goes so smoothly that this too becomes your only hurdle.

All surgeries create anxiety so don't worry when you feel like climbing the walls. A little paint will cover any clawing marks. I wish you the best of luck and I know you're in the best hands, times 2.

It was wonderful meeting you and please post often. We're here to help and support. Dale

[chasswen]

diane
no worries he's the best.
May The Force Be With You..
and don't worry theres plenty of force to go around we will not run out.
warm regards
chuck

[Jim M2]

Diane,
I'm glad you've finished the anxiety of the decision. Good riddance to pain. Here's hoping Dr. B returns you to 39 y.o. I hope to see you and Mark soon, when you're healthy and happy.

[Hucky :)]

Diane,

There must be a such a sense of relief, finally making a decision. You are soooo lucky having Mark by your side. I know YOU made the decision, but what a wonderful sounding board you have in him.

Which discs will you be having?

I will definitely be checking in here more often to see how your recovery is progressing.

All the best from Down Under

Hucky

[Maria]

Diane,
If so hope you're enjoying some time sightseeing/playing before surgery although hopefully you'll have one of those super stellar recoveries and be out and about at a BigMac a week later (kidding re the BigMac)!

All kidding aside, wishing you the best possible outcome and a very quick and uneventful recovery.

[mmglobal]

Thanks for all the support... we are leaving tomorrow. Wish us luck! (And my clients too!)

[chasswen]

best wishes diane. your in the best hands.
May The Force Be With You!!!
chuck

[dshobbies]

Diane,

My fingers are crossed for both an uncomplicated surgery and recovery. Please remember we're here if you need us.

All my best wishes, Dale