Hi, Jennifer! No, I don't think it was my age. The NYP surgeon should have used a better excuse (or a better messenger) than he only operates on spinal deformities! I've talked to a couple of surgeons so far and neither hesitated because of my age. I have no osteoporosis (except for one hip) and I passed the cardio tests and pulmonary function tests just fine for an 8-hour surgery. One surgeon also said he'd just operated on a 90-year-old. So, i don't think age was the disqualifier. I think he's looking for little kids in 3rd world countries that will get him publicity. Or maybe that will get publicity for the hospital. If that's what he's about, I can't change that. Yes, I'm still looking and waiting to hear from a prominent doc at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. It's just that it's so far away and I have to do this ALONE! Strange you would mention an article about Sleep Number Beds. I just got off the internet from looking at the Temper-Pedic Luxe Breeze mattresses. It's a real investment at $5k+!! Sleep Number just worries me about the mechanical aspects of it. Anyway, surgery first! I really, really need to talk to post-op patients to find out what life will be like after the surgery and to find out how a person who lives alone can manage! I was in senior living for 30 years as a sales director and I do not want to have to move into assisted living for the rest of my life. I'm hoping I will be able to function independently enough to continue to live alone--even if it's in independent living in a senior living community. Not what I imagined retirement would be like, for sure. I worked 50 years! For this? Yikes. My neurologist was in favor of my waiting and not doing anything aggressive (i.e., surgery) for years because I think he felt it may never reach the point of being necessary. Now I'm not sure waiting was the best thing. I could have probably had the minimally-invasive procedure if I'd done it years ago. Woulda, coulda, shoulda. as they say. I didn't even know that alternative existed. I will check out your articles and thank you very much for caring and sharing this information.