[Terry]

John:

Trace makes several good points about the skills of a good surgeon and how life and lifestyle changing this can be (for the good ).

I understand your fears and they are normal. You'll look worse in a wheelchair though if you don't do something about the problem. Hate to add to your fears but it sounds like you need to do something very shortly. It's always best to imagine life without doing the procedure.

I've had two cervical and one lumbar operation. My first cervical was a rear approach for a hemi-laminectomy. The second was a frontal approach. Other than some swelling in the throat, making it difficult to swallow, there were no complications and my recovery has been good.

Many have been there before you and we will support you through the process. You are not alone.

Hang in there.

Terry Newton