Forgive me if I get personal for a moment. Yesterday, in a fit of depression brought on by an impending medical procedure, I mentioned “life-threatening surgery.” Well, the surgical procedures for which I was scheduled (which involved removal of a vertebra, and the insertion of many rods and screws) is life-threatening but no longer imminent. After an agonizing risk/benefit analysis, I concluded that the former outweighed the latter and the status quo could be maintained for another six months or year, or maybe more. (The prospect of having my neck largely immobilized for life weighed heavily against the surgery.) From this I have drawn a few lessons …
Take careful notes. My surgical team kept moving the goal posts, adding more and increasingly severe procedures. Ask lots of questions. Whatever queries one had answered at a consultation, more invariably emerged, with the worst ones arising just five days before surgery. Game-plan for the worst-case scenario. I now have a will and testament of sorts, so I know my affairs will be in good hands (my wife’s) should I ever be incapicitated or worse. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to The Man. I was feeling heavy pressure from the surgical team to get sliced up and screwed back together, so it took all my courage to say, ‘Let’s revisit this later.’ And finally, get as many second and third opinions as you can. It is impossible to be under-informed about these situations, as when I learned that I might be spending Christmas in a rehab facility, cut off from my dear wife (whose support has been indispensable throughout this ordeal), doing occupational therapy. I have occupational therapy: It’s called work.
Thanks for your public and private messages of support. Now, about those 70% employment rates on the Strip …
I wish you well and believe you made the right decision. I don’t believe doctors should be treated as ‘gods’ like they sometimes are. I have gotten 2nd opinions, and changed doctors when needed.
5 years ago I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pains in my chest. Was sure it was Heart Related. The hospital determined I had a Gall Blader problem. My heart was fine. A day later a surgeon visited
me and suggested I have the Gall Bladder removed. I elected to wait as the pain/discomfort was gone. Three months later I was back in the hospital with an Infected Gall Bladder. Now because of the infection it was impossible to operate. They gave me meds and a drain in an attempt to relieve the infection. It took a little over 5 weeks for me to get well enough to operate. During which I became very sick, could not eat any food, lost 35 lbs, mostly mussel mass, before I was well enough for the Doctor to operate. Big mistake on my part. It’s a simple operation.
Health is number one David. Take care and I wish for a positive outcome for you.
Glad you made the best decision for yourself – I work in the medical field – surgery is not always the necessary immediate option – I really enjoy following your blog – stay safe and healthy – thank you 🙂
Thank you to everyone for your messages of support. I am moved by them and will try to live a healthier life. Mr. Manning, I know where you’ve been: My gallbladder gave out on Thanksgiving of 2005 and I had to walk to the emergency room. Memorable but NOT fun. I’ve had two surgical procedures on my cervical spine but #3 and #4 can wait a while. I hope. Thanks to all of you for helping me through a rough time.
Be Well . Sounds like the right decision.
David, I have never written to a blog before, and probably never will, But I
enjoy your comments plus being a cat lover I wish you get better without ever having surgery.
When health is at stake everything else becomes pointless. Wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. Cheers from Italy.
Use your time wisely my friend, build strength, mentally and physically… After my third bout with diverticulitis I knew a fourth one would come, and I knew a major colon resection surgery was on the horizon. So I worked out a lot and addressed other issues that might turn into surgery complications. I found my surgical team during that time, and hospital. There are plenty of “knife happy” surgeons out there, and there are plenty of ethical conservative ones who partner with you on this key decision. Be well and keep on keeping on…
That is very smart of you to consider all the pros and cons of major surgery and good luck to you. Happy Holidays to you and your wife.
My wife had scoliosis, and her lower back had worsened. Surgery to straighten out the spine was reccommended. Her legs were numb. We went for 3 more opinions, and all 3 said that if no surgery, a wheelchair for life was immenent. She had the surgery, and it went well. Our surgeon made sure we got all 3 opinions before he would schedule the surgery. This from Kaiser. We are blessed, and it all went perfectly and my wife is healthy and happy, and is 1.5 inches taller. This happened 8 years ago. Your getting other opinions and advice is absolutely the way to go till you are 100% comfortable that major surgery, and most all back surgery is major, is what you need to be comfortable as you get older. And the getting older part ain’t easy either. Be well always!