OK as some may know i have some pretty hefty back problems, (degenerate disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica...... etc.....)
I've been thinking about it more and more and just now been searching google for the surgery options doctors and professors have mentioned to me and none look good at all especially considering my age.
I have another epidural injection on Wednesday so I'll be out of action Wednesday and Thursday most likely (really annoyed as I'll probably not get animation done now and lose out on competition
) however at last meet prof thought this will be my last epidural and we should look into surgery.
I turn to the forums as there is a widespread knowledge and many good friends here that have seen me through some tough times;
The standard procedure at the moment for the issues I have is a Triple Level Posterior Lumbar Fusion (search google lots of illustrations and a few animations explaining the situation/operation) a 1 level fusion has about 85% success rate this decreases the more levels required (so my success rate will be pretty damn low)
As my main source of pain currently is my left leg, the Prof wanted to perform an operation to relieve the stress/tension/pressure my discs are putting on my nerves, although confident, this will also not heal me
And a fairly recent procedure of disc replacement therapy (As far as I know not on the UK NHS) however some sites i saw seemed to suggest that I could not have this treatment as I have more than one disc that would need replacing
As is stands I pretty much face a life of pain and suffering ahead of me trapped in my prison of a body whatever route taken
I'd rather not die, for obvious lack of life reasons
But I won't lie, the thought has been through my mind on occasion.
I'm sick of being stared/pointed/laughed at and talked about in derogative manners behind my back by complete strangers and so called friends.
If you were in my situation, how would you cope, what would you do? what would you choose? How would you suggest I lead my life and what decisions should I make regarding these health issues?
Thanks in advance for all decent replies
Nile
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