First I really love my doctor. He couldn't be any nicer. The x-ray's showed excellent fusion. I could actually make out bone for the first time, instead of the cloudy stuff I was seeing on the first sets of x-rays. We discussed my current discomfort. He still feels it is hardware, he also said he has only removed 2 sets of hardware in the last 3 years. It isn't his normal recommendation. He told me the results from those operations were about a 50% improvement in the pain. I told him I wasn't quite ready to go back in and have another surgery as the last one was really difficult to recover from. He was actually really pleased to hear I didn't want to rush into another surgery, although he explained it was no where near as difficult and possibly outpatient. Anyway he gave me a number of options, including hardware blocks and pain management along with the open option of removal. He has released me from his care. Here is why I really love my doctor. Before I left he looked at me and said I want you to call me when you decide what you want to do. If pain management I want to be included in the loop. I am your doctor for life, not just until your "better". I don't like releasing a patient without a resolution of pain and if your pain gets worse promise to call. I really don't know how to explain it but he is the first doctor I've seen that doesn't think the surgery is the end all be all cure. He seems to actually care. How rare is that? Anyway any opinions on harware removal, PM docs, hardware blocks would be appreciated. I really don't know what to do, like I said I'm really not ready for surgery, even a simple 30 minute outpatient procedure. I at least knew the fusion would resolve some of the pain, even if only for a little while. I have no idea if hardware removal would help at all.

By the way when you see the bone on the x-ray it's a truely magical moment. Savor it. The fusion was the best thing I did. I'm in less pain now then I was in. I know everyone's results are different, and what I'm experiencing is minor compaired to what some go through. I hope everyone gets the great results I have.

Ok I'm rambling and this was really long(sorry). Just wanted to share my appointment from yesterday.