Afraid of permanent damage

Years ago I have significantly improved myself and saved myself from a surgery despite weakness and pain from a 'herrniated disc' pinching the nerve.

Throughout the years after I suffered inumerable tms symptoms due to extreme current stresses and traumas.

Recently, I developed extreme pain, tingling and aching in pelvis, genitals and legs that was not responsive and has been keeping me awake. When I went back home after the insistence of my mother I went to the spinal surgeon and redid the MRI. Some background, this spinal surgeon saw me three years ago, and while he wasn't super pleasant about the MRIs, unlike the other doctors I saw he cautioned me to wait a bit and see how things go. He did the surgery toy twin brother a decade ago, and also cautioned my mother from the surgery, so he is not in it for the money (I think).

He said the earlier upper discs seem to have shrunk and while they are on the report he said he isn't concerned about them, but I have a severe L5 S1 herniation entrapping my nerve. He showed me the picture and there is like no room for the nerve. He was very concerned and strongly suggested I do the surgery ASAP, lest I suffer permanent consequences in terms of bladder and anal paralysis, for which I have tingling sensations already. He said this is a timely manner. I'm supposed to be leaving my home country back to the UK shortly. He even said if you don't want to do it here do it in the UK but don't postpone it.

The past years have been horrible for me, and I know I HAVE TMS that manifests in so many bodily symptoms, but I'm afraid of this one. It has created some of the most horrendous pain I have ever endured, worse than three years ago.

I really don't know what to do. I'm scared. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Hi Darcy

I have a lot of compassion for you. A friend went through something similar.
My suggestion is another opinion. This shouldn’t be a surprise to any a surgeon. I don’t know about any international tms doctors with spine experience, but here in the US there is Dr. Hanscom, a retired spine surgeon who is now a TMS practitioner. He consults with people, and could understand your tests etc. He has written a book examining if clients really need spine surgery, plus Back In Control. He consults over the phone and internet. He has also worked with clients who have had surgery. Might be worth a consult. https://backincontrol.com/
Please keep working on trying to regulate your nervous system, and doing tms work. No matter your situation, trying to reduce your internal stressors will benefit you.