Surgery? I am terrified...

[jrosecrans]

Have been told I need a double level fusion at c4/5 and c6/7.  I am scheduled for next week.  I just don't know about this....everything I am reading seems to suggest that this operation is really not that successful.  Most still have pain, and a huge percentage of people have worse pain/symptoms than prior to their surgery.  While I do have pain right now, and it isn't pleasant, at least I KNOW what it is.  I feel like I am deciding between pain I am familiar with and pain that I am not familiar with....make sense?  Hell, I'd rather just keep the pain I have and not have anyone cut me open.  I am also a singer and actor- all this stuff about sore throats and laryginal troubles has be scared out of me socks.  I am amazed at all I have read- the largest percentage of stories are not of good outcomes.  Why then, is this considered a "minimally invasive procedure" and done so often?  I am just terrified.  I understand that with my level of disc issues (both herniated and causing symptoms), I risk permanent damange to the nerve.  However, it seems, with everything I've read that this is the outcome most of the time anyway.   Help.  Does ANYONE have some hopeful news about this surgery?

[bev62]

I'm so happy for you. Not only will this buy you some more time, but if after trying a more  conservative therapy you still need surgery you will know that you tried everything else first. I wish you the best of luck.

[michelleric]

Sounds good, I am a firm believer of trying everything 1st, if it is a possibility that is can help. What type of treatment is he/she thinking of?
Michelle

[jrosecrans]

Yeah- it means EVERYTHING to me that I do surgery only as a last resort.  I am going to try some injection therapy, PT and mild decompression and see if that doesn't help.  If not, surgery will be needed, but only on C6/7- so a one level fusion which could open up a disc replacement option- although since it is really DDD that is giving me issues, probably not.

Michelle, how are you doing?

[michelleric]

Sounds good Jean, I hope it will work out positive for you. Thanks for asking, I am a mess and on my 3rd day of a migraine. I think I will feel "better" after the surgery and at least it will be over. The anticipation is hard. Today I have a full day of pre-op testing at the hospital, maybe they can give me something for this awful migraine?!
Have a good day,
Michelle

[jrosecrans]

Hi Michelle,

Just wanting you to know I am putting good energy out there for your procedure on Monday.  Best wishes to you.  Keep me posted on how you are progressing.  

Namaste',
Jean

[alapasada]

I thought I read a post where someone went into detail about (teaching?) hospital financial assistance programs....I live in Jacksonville, FL, have no medical insurance but after 3+ years of 24/7 pain, I would trade a kidney for the surgery. I am also going to need in-home care as I am alone.  I am 55 with S1-L5 ruptures.
The posts have had terrific information and encouragement and I thank everyone for sharing.  Does anyone remember seeing this or know what program I need to look for (other than clinical trials)?