I am 73 and had spinal decompression surgery nearly ten years ago which stabilised my symptoms - poor mobility and ever present neuropathic pain. Last year my symptoms suddenly worsened and I was reassessed in the local hospital after struggling to get a referral. The back specialist recommended an early operation which he said could restabilise at my current (worsened) level but carried not inconsiderable risks, including blindness. I was then given a pre-op assessment summed up by an anaesthetist who advised that the best thing I could do for my back would be to lose weight - at the time I was just, by a few percentage points, on the wrong side of the obesity line. No prizes for guessing which choice I made.

Now, ten weeks later, I have lost 14 pounds and am still overweight but not obese. No particular diet - just eating and drinking less, particularly alcohol. Symptoms haven't changed much. Aim is to lose another 20 pounds by the middle of the year then reassess perhaps seeking a third opinion.

Just one path through the maze.

I just lost 25 lbs rather easily... too easily. I hope I don't have a hidden cancer... sigh.

But my pain levels have gone UP with the loss...I suspect toxins hidden in my fat, have been released. That is the only explanation.

Carrying around extra weight does the joints no good for sure. I could lose 20 lbs below the waist but I don't work hard enough to do it. I'll lose it my already thin face.

We have a PRP/Stem Cell MD on the radio weekends and when people call in with all their joint issues, the first question he asks, how old are you and what is your weight.


Hope no hidden cancer and the pain could be from detox.

I live with a Mindset that surgery should be BE LAST RESORT... And many who know me here have heard my gripes/complaints on a hip replacement outcome I live with.

Today, the first caller on the PRP/Stem Cell program with the MD who does PRP/Stem Cells...was a 50 yr old man who had done 4 surgeries each on both knees. No replacement but 8 surgeries. The man says he lives in chronic pain and he sounded in pain from his voice. He says he wants no more surgery. I still "THINK" about these and if only they were less money.

Then a 38 yr old woman called in about a knee surgery and it pushed her into the other term for RSD...CRPS . Wanted to know if the MD could help her.