Hello, sorry for all your going through now. However, you wrote something that caused me to pause:

“And their attitude appeared to be one that makes me fear they’ll just put me on the bag as a matter of routine because they haven’t been responsive or sensitive to my needs at all.”

If you feel uncomfortable about the physician’s group should you maybe consider getting another doctor?

God has a way of revealing signs and situations that let us know this is not the one, time to look for another.

I was having horrible pain from herniated disc for years which led me to fall several times due to nerve issues as a result of the disk.

December 2021, I fell and broke my left foot it healed and three months later foot turned to jello turning and I broke the right foot.

The spine doctor wanted to do spinal fusion surgery right after the right foot healed. I asked him what were some other options aside from that.

For some reason He was insulted that I asked about other options. He went on a rant saying I was challenging his credentials and he did surgery on his 85 year old mother and she was doing great. He knew what was the best treatment for me, I couldn’t get a word in.

When he stopped ranting, I explained that it was not about his credentials it was about my quality of life after surgery and there should be options other than fusion surgery. I asked if he could guarantee a positive outcome.

He said no, and huffed and puffed citing based on X-rays and nerve test, spinal fusion was the best alternative, but I stood firm.

My husband and I prayed about the doctor, talked it over and both came to the conclusion this doctor didn’t have my best interest in mind.

We both started surfing the net looking at other alternatives and talked with people personally and social media groups who had the same experience I was having.

Surprisingly, many who opted for spinal fusion surgery on hindsight wished they would have considered other alternative sources. Then there were those who said they were doing well after surgery and their only issue were the limited bending and twisting spinal flexibility.

As my mobility deteriorated due to chronic pain and fatigue from being in pain I just wanted to feel better. Then my mom passed away and between disk issues and grief I was in serious pain.
We decided to go to Florida to enjoy the sunshine and worked at a Hurricane Ian relief shelter.

Eventually, I took a break but my husband kept volunteering to help others. Our motto has always been that despite our personal circumstances and struggles we’re never to overwhelmed to help others.

Prayer and faith I pushed through and thank God daily for healing even though I was hurting. He heard our prayers and I began to make changes based on what I believed God’s directions for me was.

I kept making changes and doing what I was led to do and now I am pain free and was able to enjoy the beaches after not being able for years to lift my feet to walk without having to stop and sit down.

Long story I know. 🙃

I just want to encourage you to take the time to get a second opinion. You are fighting to live and as Colleen asked, “ Has your surgeon talked about reconstruction options and likely outcomes with you?

If not please ask the doctor. If you’re not satisfied with the answer, then seek out another physician(s) to make the best informed decisions about your health.

Said a prayer for you. Wishing you a New Year filled with of happiness, healing, and peace!

Hi
Hoping all turns out well for you
Just wanted to explain a point. It’s not that your doctors are insensitive to your needs or that it’s easier for them to put you on the bag, it’s your disease stage that dictates the type of surgery most suitable for you. If your tumor is malignant then the surgeon must remove it completely to avoid recurrence. They must remove the tumor with a safety margin around it which is very difficult to achieve and still keep your sphincter intact since tumor is only 1cm from sphincter. I’m sure your doctors have your best interest in mind and will always seek the best management option for their patients, however sometimes this is out of their hands like in your case.