I would post with my own acct, but I forgot the password.

I got this around 10 years old, and its nasty. Saps all the energy outta ya. Your back hurts at all hours of the day and night, and laying down does little to prevent it. Low grade fever, frequent urination with a persistent need. Yes, meds do help, but if the problem doesn't go away, go for the surgery(s). Trust me, your daughter will thank you for it...but not until she gets into her 30s.

This is one thing to remember tho: the surgery is radical, but the advances in medicine, materials, anesthesia, just general care mean a fundemental change in the quality of care. All this in just 22 years.

I have another surgery to look forward to before I pass on as the plastics they used in me back in the early 80's were pre silicone, and frankly rather primitive. They were not expected to last the lifetime++ that plastics now last.

What is the saying? "we live in interesting times" in many ways.