MaryAnn...I can relate to you, your fears, and your strengths. I am approaching 50 very rapidly, was advised by my PCP to have this surgery 9 months ago, and was told I would be totally disabled by the time I would be 55 years old. Very scary for me not to do the surgery, very scary for me to do it (I am a wimp), however, I have to think of myself because I love myself, and do what is right. So good luck with your surgery, I will have mine on July 10, 2001. Irene