August 18, 2004
In the old days, a doctor would
say to a patient, "you need
surgery" and the decision was
made. These days, unless it is an
emergency situation, patients are
active participants in the decision-making
process and are ultimately responsible
for deciding whether or not to undergo
any type of surgery. The following
information may be of some help
when you are faced with the question,
"should I or shouldn't I have
surgery?"
Your Job
It is totally up to you whether
or not you have surgery - no one
can force you. Your job is to make
the final decision. Therefore, it's
important that you consider the
pros and cons, risks and benefits,
and potential for success. If you
decide to go ahead with the surgery,
you need to feel confident about
that decision so you can approach
the procedure with a positive attitude,
realistic goals, and a clear understanding
of what the surgery is supposed
to accomplish. Your recovery will
be greatly enhanced if you maintain
a positive mental attitude.
The best way to accomplish this
positive attitude is to learn all
you can about your condition and
the recommended surgery. Ask as
many questions as you need. Make
sure you know what the surgery is
supposed to do, how it will be performed,
and what to expect after the procedure.
Ask your doctor if he or she can
give you any written information
or direct you to other resources
such as books, brochures, web sites,
or videos so you can learn more
about your condition and the recommended
procedure.
Your Doctor's Job
One of your doctor's jobs is to
provide you with the essential information
with which you make your decision.
Once your doctor gives you a thorough
examination, evaluates your condition
and determines a diagnosis, make
sure you understand what your condition
is and how you got it. Ask as many
questions as you need. The physician
should also talk to you about any
and all treatment options that are
available to you and make a recommendation
on how to proceed.
The information your doctor provides
should help you make an informed
decision about whether or not to
have surgery. If you feel you have
not been given enough information
to make a decision, ask more questions.
Never feel like you are bothering
the doctor with too many questions.
The most important thing is that
you understand your condition and
treatment options. Getting a second
opinion is also a great way to get
additional information to help you
make a decision.
Know the Risks
All surgeries carry a risk of complications
such as infection, excessive bleeding,
reactions to anesthesia and injury.
Some spinal surgeries also carry
additional risks such as numbness,
nerve damage, paralysis, or a loss
or bowel and bladder control. Be
sure you understand all of the possible
complications before you agree to
have any surgical procedure. Most
spinal surgeries today are considered
safe, but you should discuss the
risks associated with your surgery
with your physician.
When considering your options, keep
in mind the risks of not having
surgery, such as continued pain,
further nerve damage, or permanent
disability. What impact does your
condition have on your quality of
life and how will that be affected
if you do not have surgery? Think
carefully about the risks and benefits
of having the surgery as well as
the risks and benefits of not having
the surgery.
If You Decide to Have Surgery
Do you feel good about the decision?
If so, you have made the right choice!
Think of your surgery as the first
step on the road to recovery. Carefully
follow your surgeon's instructions
and focus on reaching the goal of
improving your health. Once you
are confident that surgery is your
best option, you can begin to focus
on the future and the recovery process.
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