Melissa,

If your gut is telling you that surgery could make you worse, I'd trust that feeling. I had the same gut instinct, ignored it, and went forward with surgery with an experienced vascular surgeon. Two and a half years later, I'm worse than I was prior to surgery.

I understand that you are frustrated with your lack of strength, but that's nothing compared with what you could be feeling. I'm not saying that surgery is wrong for you, but it would be good to feel more confident going into it. Take your time, get your questions answered, don't be swayed by people who want you to get better right now.

Take care,
Kelly