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Recommend surgeon who'll be honest about if surgery will help?
Spine Health | Last Active: 10 hours ago | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
@jenatsky
Thanks. I've gotten so many opinions I think the surgeons are suspicious of me, but I need to be reassured of certain things. They are all at good hospitals and I have gotten recommendations from people who had surgery with them, but I think my spine is more complicated. I have osteoporosis that is being treated, but I still have it in certain areas. So if a surgeon acts blaise about my osteoporosis I think that's not a good sign, don't you? Do you have any tips about asking them questions without hurting their egos? Some of them seem annoyed or just give me answers like "this is my bread and butter," when I ask how many fusions they do in a year.
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@annie1 what is the surgical procedure you’re contemplating having? I presume you’ve gotten a second or third opinion since you’ve expressed concerned about the process and have any of these opinions been in agreement?
How did you react to the doctor telling you “you may not get the results you’re looking for”?
I’m 74 with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy and after my initial fusion is 1988 I’m not looking for more surgery. I stay as active as I can, exercise, stretch, walk, gym anything to stay limber. Since I know my body will not improve I’m holding into what I’ve got for as long as I can. And jumping back from general anesthesia is no joke for older folks. Can you continue to live without surgery? Would better pain control help? Are you doing all you can do for yourself before deciding on surgery?