The original neurosurgeon is very well-respected and one of the best in KC. He refused to fuse any of the three compressed discs including the one outside the curve because my back will collapse "in the near future" if he does. I went for a second opinion and he said, yes he can fuse the one on the outside.
I didn't understand how both docs had opposite opinions so I went to a third consult. Of course, he said they are are both right. He can fuse the one on the outside, but I will most likely need the "big" operation in the near future. That was two years ago. The thought of going into a hospital for a month w/another month upstairs in rehab makes me sick to my stomach. I do not think I would survive it.
After my last shoulder surgery, I told the home health nurse I don't know what my problem is. I start shaking and crying before going under for any type of surgery. It's embarrassing but I can't help it. She said I have PTSD from all the surgeries.