Ditto what TOSmother said. From what I have experienced and seen this is a very difficult "disease". I am convinced catching it early and avoiding misdiagnosis leading to other surgeries are keys. I flunked both of those but still battling and could be worse I guess.

There is a 19 year old from my city who had this surgery with same doctor. He is 6 - 8 months post-op and struggling with severe pain and fluid building up in his lungs. He is living on hydrocodone and I feel so bad for him at such a young age.

I do think Dr. P is one of the best but this disease is so complex and tricky. I would guess all of the "experts" have patients who have had very negative outcomes. Everyone please keep sharing and encouraging each other. Keeping a positive attitude is crucial although I admittedly have been inconsistent in that regard as well.