HELP!
I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis when I was 17 and fused when I was 27 with an auto graft. Had 20+ good years out of the fusion but was told I would have really big problems when I got older....NOW is the time. 12 years ago my lower back and hips began to bother me. I went to an orthopedic surgeon who only recommended surgery as a last resort (neurogenic bladder, etc.) He suggested I go into pain management where I have been ever since. I'm on many heavy drugs and have had multiple injections. I've had recent severe pain in my knees and shoulders. Xrays indicate I have severe osteoarthritis in all my joints. My back has been giving me more problems than anything befote 2 years ago but in the last 5 years, my right hip has been very bad. I went to see the hip surgeon and he said, " because of your spondylolisthesis, it's very possible you could be worse off after a hip replacement, but I'll do it if you REALLY want me to." Of course, that didn't inspire a great deal of confidence, so I passed. That was in 2008 or 2009. I'm now to the point where I'm limping all the time and the pain is excruciating. THE BIG PROBLEMS ARE: I have NO friends or family or support system before or after surgery....I MEAN NO ONE. I can't even get a ride to the hospital of my choice, even if I did want the surgery. What would you do? Oh yeah...I have 2 cats. Again, what would you do? Thanks for reading all of this.
Shared experience, not medical advice.