Well, this really stinks

[EdwardPB]

My appointment, with the Neurosurgeon, has been canceled. The closest they can get me back in is almost 2 weeks away.
So, 2 extra weeks of wondering what the heck is going to happen to me.
So, 2  more weeks of wondering:
Is this new pain going to be permanent, or is it realistically repairable.
What is the time frame DDD will get beyond my ability to tolerate without surgery.
At the advanced stage, and number of C-spine disks involved and abutting/compressing spinal cord, Chiari, new onset RSD, unknown T and Lumbar spinal involvement; is surgery even a viable option.
Realistically, surgery not an option due to job ability requirements. (I still have to support my family)
Is it now, and will it develop to, a life threatening condition, due to potential for higher function disruption.

Well, I guess my 15 minutes are up and I need to quit whining and drive on......

[selmaS]

HI so sorry ur appointment was set back...I think we all have gone thru a similar set back in trying to get answers.....since I am home, I notice that time flies by soooooo much faster than it did b4....and I know that ur appointment will be here b4 u know it...

I am sorry u feel  u have to opt for maintenance as a way to deal with ur symptoms and feel surgery is out of the question.....getting all tests done and knowing ur body will be an good indication as to how u may rebound from surgery...

Carolyn gave a lot of good advice.....the more issues u do have going on prior to surgery can affect recovery as well.

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

Well I would think that the NS could give you some good ideas of how to manage things so that they don't get worse...if that is an option. For your sake I really hope it is!!
The recovery time does vary from person to person as well..so keep that in mind. My opinion is that the more damage that is caused, the longer the recovery period. But, there is always the option to keep a good watch on it and only make a move if there is a showing of further progression..so that is why it is important to have a good NS so that they can do the proper monitoring. Good luck!

[EdwardPB]

Yeah, that's the biggest answer to wait for.
99.9% of any surgery options will have to be refused. The only option is at least 10 years of management, or accept the consequences.

[*Stormy*]

Ohh, I'm really sorry...that happened to me too and I had to wait 4 more weeks and it was devastating!!

I wish I could answer those questions for you...

Just remember with Chiari it is a balance of when to get the surgery vs the amount of damage that could be done if you don't. So, I totally understand how difficult it would be to have the surgery when you are trying to support a family but on the other hand you need to stop it b4 it progresses too far. Like I said...a delicate balance..

Of course, the NS is the person who can help you make this difficult decision so that makes it even more frustrating!! In the meantime, try to take it easy and not trigger any worsening of symptoms.

I hope these 2 weeks go by quickly..

Carolyn