No back surgery for me on Tuesday

Three of my discs are too severely degraded and my surgeon will not do a three-level fusion, so I'm not having surgery.  Her best offer was to see a pain management doctor.  At 54 years of age, I'm not about to be dependent on medication for the rest of my life while my back falls apart.  I'll be going for opinions 2, 3, 4, 5, . . .. until I find someone who will help me.

Linda

Gosh, how frustrating for you. Best of luck in getting a 2nd (etc) opinion. You have come so far with your journey - don't let one opinion stop you from pursuing a pain free life.

Oh Linda I am so sorry for you...........not the way you wanted to live your golden years.  Good for you for being wiling to seek other opinions...........................

 Im sorry!  Keep trying-if you cant find one now you will probably find someone eventually who can or will develop a way to fix you up.

Tina

Awww, I am so sorry.  I can only recommend a doc- Tim Straub who is @ Slocum. e did both my shoulders when no one else would! 5 yrs. later & they are still great.   Maybe he does back surgery; don't know, but he is an orthopedist.

Oh Linda!!

I'm sorry that the discs can't be repaired and that your surgeon wont do a 3 level fusion.  Please continue to look for Drs. specializing in this area as I'm confident you will find what you are seeking.

In the meantime might I recommend a book.  It is called Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zimm, Ph,D.  The subtitle is Using the Wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness.

He also runs a pain management clinic.  This book has been recommended to several of my friends through their own psychologists and I am in the process of reading it and applying the principals. 

{{{hugs}}}

Trisha