When you're deciding whether to have back surgery, it can help to hear what other people thought about as they made their decision.
I can't imagine having surgery unless I absolutely have to.
I just don't like the risks ...
and I'm taking better care of my back and doing my exercises.
The pain is slowly getting better.
I'm a patient woman. I can wait.
I just want to feel better. Like right now.
It's been 6 weeks of pain, and I don't care what it takes.
I get that the pain could go away over time without surgery.
But I'm miserable. I definitely want surgery.
My leg feels like it's on fire.
My doctor says surgery will probably get rid of my pain but so could waiting.
She wants me to try exercises first.
I'll give it a try for a few more weeks ... but that's it.
If I don't see a dramatic improvement, I'm going back to talk about surgery.
I was pretty sure I'd need surgery because my back was so bad I couldn't work.
But then my boss found me a job in another department, where I don't have to lift stuff and I can move around when I need to.
Now I feel like I can take the time to see if my back pain goes away without surgery.
Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of surgery.
It's important to share those feelings with your doctor, so that the two of you can talk them over ...
combine them with the medical facts ...
and choose the best treatment for you.
