I still spend a significant amount of time reading whatever I can about spinal treatments. It started before I visited my spine surgeon, when I was trying to gather enough information to make an educated decision about whether or not it was time for surgery. After my initial visit with my surgeon, I spent hours and hours on the Internet researching spinal fusion surgeries: what happens during surgery? what is the surgery designed to alleviate? what are the success rates short term and long term? what are the risks? (I still find it interesting that in all this research, I never did find "the scoop" on spinal fusions, the non-sugar-coated story of what it is REALLY like).In my latest scan of the most recent news on spinal fusions, I came across this article in the Daily Press of Newport News, VA. After reading it, I reflected on how invasive my spinal fusion was, how there were times in those first few days after surgery when I thought I made a huge mistake, where the pain was so severe that I wished someone would pull the plug (I didn't have that kind of "plug" but you catch my drift). I look at my 4-inch bumpy, ridged abdominal scar that looks like a mini Grand Canyon when I look down towards my toes. And I think about the three weeks I spent in bed after surgery, and the months of recovery afterwards.
It makes me grateful that there are people out there who continue to look for better ways to do these procedures. And I am thankful for those people who are willing to try them so that the rest of us may benefit. Twenty years from now I hope that my scars look antiquated, and that they become obsolete like appendectomy scars.
To those of you out there awaiting surgery: research, research, research. Being informed is one of the best ways to ensure that you choose the right procedures and therapies. Listen to your doctor, but most importantly, listen to yourself and do what is right for you.
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