I posted a while back. Considering L5 to S1 fusion. Just want your takes on my experience of consultation (not Mayo) experience. If I am unreasonable or the situation was maybe a little “wanting”. The consultation with surgeon felt rushed to me, lacking time for me to ask all my questions. Description of surgery left much unsaid and unclear. Eg. for instance screws were mentioned but nothing about rods; nothing said about decompression w laminator, and more. No time to ask if the lack of mention was oversight or means these would not be part of surgery. Eg. although the surgeon said he did not mean to recommend surgery, it wasn’t clear whether he actually meant don’t do it. Eg. No mention of possible risks in outcome in contrast to benefits in outcome. These are the kinds of matters I would have expected surgeon to volunteer or be forthcoming about, but here I am on this chat string trying to understand from others fusion sufferers. Am I expecting too much?
Another question: As the nurse/PA took my blood pressure and etc. to prepare me for the consultation, she referred to my spine as “garbage”. Her word. I shook this off, thinking she was just tired. And agreeing that the mri image did reveal a complex and difficult situation. But I now realize the reference to “garbage” had an impact on my outlook and I struggle now with more despair than before. This particular clinic has an “attitude” I think. A different PA a few months ago responded to my questions about the possible efficacy of PT by saying, “maybe that would appease you” with a very angry and impatient face and body language. I try not to be “sensitive” but I am a bit vulnerable from pain and fear and need a reality check from my peer patients. Thanks