Posted 8/2/2014 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
From the minute we step into this world of CP our decisions become forced. We experience coercion from the majority of Drs and other people even family and friends. We have to do ABC to continue to get treatment whether it's injections or PT to get meds or adherence to a sometimes confusing contract to get them filled its still a form of coercion. The days of our lives before adequate PM remain always at the forefront of our thoughts, forcing upon us agreeing to most anything.
We are regulated and limited, we live our lives within the confines of those such things as though we are penalized and criticized for being chronically ill. We can change none of that if we wish to survive the ordeal of Chronic pain.
Early at the onset of this journey for me I was still naive enough to believe that if I suffered anything short of a terminal illness there was a solution or procedure to fix me. I underwent 6 knee surgeries in 2 years. Each time being reassured this was the one that was going to be the "saving grace " of my problems and each one trumped the one before in recovery issues and pain. Finally I threw down the gauntlet and said No More!! I stuck to my decision and each time through the years another doctor suggested another surgery I simply said that if they could not guarantee in writing at least a 75/25 chance that they could improve my quality of life reducing my pain and mobility factors then the odds were not in my favor and I would have to say no. 15 years later, 7 Orthopedic consults and I have had not one taker of my request!?
I am not so naive anylonger and now know that not all non-terminal issues are fixable, yes the medical fields making great strides in terms of spinal surgeries but I still encounter more nonsuccessful fusions then successful ones whatever the reasons are.
I have DDD, a Pars defect, complete collapse at L-5,S1 with nerve involvement and my odds remain the same as my knee, 75/25 in writing and I will do the surgery, so far I remain with no takers and until then I refuse to be coerced into a procedure where the odds at best for helping or even changing my life are only half. When the scale can tip in my favor I will reconsider until then PM is my best shot.
Do your homework, know the odds taking into account your general health, age, career, and lifestyle, make an educated and informed decision based on what's right for you and you only because it's you that has to live with the outcome. Advocate for yourself based on that decision and stand your ground to the right to live with that decision without suffering because of it even if you have to be prepared to go to the mat with the insurance company, your Drs, your therapist, whomever trying to take away your rights to choose your best interests.
Bone of contention with me because I think your considering doing this without your total self onboard but rather to please others.