u/Kysara

TL;DR: Was your surgery worth it? I’m looking for the good, the bad, the complications, and the success stories.

I have mild scoliosis and left hip dysplasia. Surgery for my spine was recommended when the scoliosis was discovered around age 24, but at the time I worked with kids and couldn’t realistically risk the recovery time or potential complications.

I’m now pushing 40, and I basically live in a constant state of dull pain.

My hip dysplasia wasn’t discovered until I was 32. At the time, the doctor basically told me, “You can suffer through an 8-month recovery now, or wait until you eventually need a hip replacement.” Naturally, I chose Door #2.

I’ve been taking 10 mg Norco for about five years. My doctor periodically switches me between Norco and Percocet in an attempt to manage tolerance. I’ve tried very hard over the years to avoid increasing my opioid dose, did tons of research, and found they work in different receptors, so it gives you a "break" from that medicine). I also take baclofen, a very low dose of extended-release tramadol, and Celebrex. For the most part, that combination has helped me function.

The frustrating part is that my body seems to hate both movement and lack of movement.

If I stay stationary too long, I hurt. If I’m on my feet too long, I hurt. I’ve even figured out an elaborate pillow setup so I don’t roll into certain positions while sleeping. But occasionally I escape my pillow fortress, wake up curled in the fetal position, and can barely move for the next day or two.(See photo for diagram)

A lot of my pain feels nerve-related, but despite seeing a ridiculous number of specialists, nobody has really been able to pinpoint exactly what is causing what.

I’ve also been diagnosed with POTS, hEDS, neuropathy, and carpal tunnel (I’m a musician), and I’m currently being evaluated for MCAS. I’ve had some bizarre episodes of inflammation that no test or specialist has been able to explain.

Now that I’m approaching 40 and my medications seem to be gradually becoming less effective, I keep coming back to the idea of finally getting the spinal fusion.

Part of me thinks: just fix the structural problem we actually know is there and maybe it will take some pressure off everything else.

The other part of me is terrified that surgery could create new nerve pain or complications that can’t be fixed and leave me even more dependent on medication than I am now.

So I’d really like to hear from people who have actually been through it:

- What surgery did you have, and what did it actually fix?

- Did your pain improve significantly?

- Did anything become worse afterward?

- Did surgery create any new chronic pain, nerve issues, or other complications?

- How long did it take before you felt like the surgery was actually worth it?

- And the big one: If you could go back knowing what you know now, would you still do it?

I’m especially interested in hearing both the success stories and the “I wish someone had warned me” stories.

The attached photo is FOR REFERENCE ONLY. I created it using images from other sellers to show the same watch model and the original box and document contents that came with mine. My actual watch is still with the jeweler who appraised it, so I do not currently have it available to photograph. Once I receive it back, I can provide clear photos of the actual watch, caseback, condition, buckle, receipt and paperwork.

I recently found a vintage Must de Cartier Tank Vermeil SM, reference 5057001.

The watch has a quartz movement, a gold-vermeil case over sterling silver and a blue sapphire cabochon on the crown. The original sales receipt shows that it was purchased from an independent jeweler in 1989. I have not confirmed the exact production year, so I am describing it only as purchased in 1989.

It appears to include nearly the complete original set:

• Original red Cartier presentation box

• Original white outer box

• Original red leather document folder

• Original dated sales receipt from 1989

• Warranty and instruction booklet

• Original international guarantee certificate, left blank

The leather strap is extremely worn and needs to be replaced. I still need to confirm whether the original Cartier buckle is present.

The watch is also not currently running. I do not know whether it only needs a battery or whether the quartz movement requires repair. As far as I know, the case has not yet been opened.

The jeweler who appraised it offered $250 and said they would purchase it for parts because it is not running and needs a strap. I am trying to decide whether it is financially worth repairing before selling.

I do not have much money available to put into the watch, and I am worried that an official Cartier service, Cartier replacement strap or movement repair could cost more than the amount those repairs would add to the eventual sale price.

I would especially appreciate advice on the following:

1. Should I first pay only for a careful battery replacement and inspection?

2. If it needs more than a battery, is it usually worth repairing this model before selling, or would I be better off selling it as-is?

3. Would servicing it through Cartier add enough resale value to justify the cost, or would a reputable independent watchmaker who specializes in vintage Cartier be the better option?

4. Does the watch need a genuine Cartier strap to retain its value, or could I install a good-quality replacement strap while preserving the original buckle?

5. Would buyers generally prefer to choose their own strap rather than having me spend money replacing it?

6. Is there a repair-cost limit beyond which I would probably not recover the expense when selling?

7. Would service documentation or proof that the movement is functioning make a meaningful difference to buyers?

I understand that dealer asking prices are not the same as actual sale prices. I am mainly looking for the most sensible and cost-effective next step so I do not spend money on repairs that I will not recover.

Again, the attached image is only a reference composition made from other sellers’ photos. It is an accurate representation of the watch model and the items included with mine, but it is not a photograph of my actual watch.

I am not currently offering the watch for sale. Please keep comments to ADVICE ONLY. ,