Eliza, I think it's perfectly normal to be afraid of this surgery. I know I was very nervous, and I had had the comfort going in of knowing that the trial worked for me, which is unfortunately a benefit you don't have and I think that's also adding to your fears. When you suffer through chronic pain, any new treatment that you try it is so hard not to get your hopes up too high, to hope for a better future, while also preparing yourself for the possibility that it could not work. Also, it is scary to have something implanted inside of you. The thought of it, because it is not something that naturally belongs in our bodies. I hope I'm not sounding like a downer here because that's not how I mean it, but if I had to guess, these are some of the feelings you're going through, and I want you to know you're not alone and what you're feeling is normal.

A friend told me before my surgery that what ever happens, I am very brave for trying it. Those words really stuck with me and helped get me through my nerves. You too are very brave for trying an SCS, especially with how difficult surgeries are for you. Know and remember that Also remember that everyone here is supporting you and wishing you the best, and we're here to listen whenever you need to talk or vent.

Finally I'll leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

Very well said Yellow!
You're not being a downer at ALL. I think you hit on some very valid points.

I love that scripture
Thanks for sharing that

Amen, amen, amen,

We be here.
Mark56

Thank you Yellow - that was very comforting. I've spent the last 10 days getting stuff caught up so I'll be ready for surgery and getting ready for Christmas. I decided that no matter what date is offered, I'm not going to have surgery between Thsnksgiving and Christmas. I love the Christmas season and while I don't get to go to many things because of pain, I do get to do some and those I really enjoy! I've had a good week (yeah) so I'm going to take a shot at singing the Christmas Cantata at church. It's on Dec 11th and I'll have to make it to 4 practices to be able to do it. It would be great though! So I'm praying for a surgery date after 12/25 and making plans to do some fun things in between! Amen!

Lift your voice up to the Lord in Praise... oh how I so enjoy when we do that!! We are singing our cantata for two churches as we've insufficient numbers to do it separately, so we combine, then sing in both places on tandem Sundays! Make a joyful noise, then may joy become your own as the Surg date approaches.

Interestingly, I had surgey on my birthday in 2006 to remove a bone spur which had grown from the fusion bone growth medium to further damage the nerve all the more. Seemed like a good birthday present to me!

Happy Thanksgiving, followed by Advent and Christmas,
yep, 'tis the season,
Mark56