My lower back pain is getting worse and my legs sometimes go numb. My doctor recommended surgery, but I don’t want to undergo it. My family won’t be able to do anything without me, so I’m hoping I can avoid surgery. (Female in her 70s)
A
Good health can only be achieved by families caring for each other, supporting each other, and working together. Therefore, it is important to discuss the situation with your family, rather than making decisions all by yourself. When doing so, be sure to convey your concerns and doubts as they are, listen carefully to your family’s feelings, and draw a conclusion.
To this end, it is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you may have, including treatment before and after surgery, life after surgery, and also the risks of not having surgery.
There is one secret to achieving true health.
Live a way of life that allows you to live in sync with your unmei.
Seek a family environment that fosters a kokoro of wa (harmony) and try to live by the principles.
Gradually and naturally, the kokoro of family members will be close to each other and come together. The kokoro to support and live will start to grow.
Anxious feelings and doubts in your kokoro will calm down as family members interact.
Even if you feel helpless and feel like your family can’t survive without you, they may be willing to help you generously when the time comes. This may be an opportunity for everyone to share the work.
In any case, rather than imposing your own ideas, you should consider the feelings of your family and come to a conclusion… That’s very important. This is because when you bring the family’s thoughts together, your mind naturally becomes stable, and your own resilience and healing powers are brought out. That’s how powerful the family is.
By working things together with your family, your conversation with the doctor will go smoothly and you will be able to receive appropriate treatments.