Saw a surgeon, still confused

---- of course.

Well, I liked the guy pretty well.  He was a lot better than the first doofus, at least I got to ask a few questions, but still, there was that feeling that he had 20 other people waiting (which he probably did) -

So I've tentatively decided that I'll be having a laminectomy.  He said he had the same thing, a herniated disc, and 4 days of the pain was enough, he had the surgery, and was just fine.  He showed me the scar, a tiny thing. 

He couldn't explain my grossly swollen foot and ankle, except that I'm not putting much weight on it, but suggested I take a baby aspirin every day to ward off blood clots, and see my regular dr about it.  That's creepy.

But I did get a cortisone injection (OUCH!!!) without sedation....if there's a next time, I'll know better!  Today was a good day anyway, the pain just starting to crop up again.  Who knows if it'll really help....

I can't remember how I left it, whether they'll call me with a surgery date or what.  My instinct is to get still another opinion, but that's probably silly.  Anyway, thanks for reading my ramblings.  I'm glad that's over.

Debbie      

Debbie, I've had this surgery done twice. No surgery is ever fun, but the recovery for this wasn't horrible. I had gotten to the point pre-surgery where the pain was so severe that I couldn't walk, so after surgery I actually felt better. Over the years, I have ended up with arthritis in my spine, but that would have happened with or without surgery. Even with the arthritis, I have less pain than I did pre-surgery (and that horrible, horrible sciatic pain is gone, thank God).

It never hurts to get a second opinion, but I always ask myself a few questions before I have surgery: Is he affiliated with a good hospital? Is he board certified in the field? Has he done the procedure many, many times? Was he recommended by a physician or someone else I trust? If you are wanting a second opinion, is there another doctor in the same practice who could see you? You might get in faster that way. Any doctor worth his salt won't mind you seeking one.

I wish you the best and hope you get out of pain soon.

Hugs - Austen

Debbie, I had my laminectomy November 17th 2002 and on December 6th 2002, I was able to supervise our move into our new house. We were in the middle of building during my back craziness. Of course I didn't do any lifting, but was busy getting the house settled. I just remember what a relief it was not to have that searing pain down my leg. Went through some PT to help get my strength back, it was well worth it.

I'm glad this surgeon was more likeable... wishing you the best in whatever you decide...it is a big decision...in my case I'm glad I did it :)

Hugs, Robin