I had C6/C7 discectomy and fusion three years ago and it looks like I’m headed for another level surgery (MRI next week). I’m not overreacting prematurely because the undeniable symptoms (numbness, excruciating pain) are straightforward. My surgery in 2016 was due to a very bad car accident and went really well at the time, but the thought of a second surgery is frightening.

My main concerns aren’t the obvious (major surgery risks and paralysis), because the odds of issues their are minuscule, but the effects on my psyche and marriage. My wife is very supportive, but after being impotent for two years post-prostate cancer surgery at 52, then the cervical surgery, I remember how feeble and fragile I was and how emasculated I felt. We’ve had a lot of sex life issues lately and I’m concerned at some point she’ll just give up. It’s hard to hang on to what’s good and let go of these issues.