An operation,

[iBlueBox]

Long story short, around 6 years ago, when I was 10, had an operation on my ear, where they opened the ear up to fix the skin in between the drum hole that didn't work, got rushed into hospital life went terribly wrong missed so much of school.

Now, i'm 16, they want to put me through the operation again saying i'll cope this time, Yet my mum said last time she'll never let me go through what happened last time yet she's now making me to go through with it, and im in year 11, I dont want to miss any time off school, I Don't want this operation, I know at 16 you can make your own medical choices, but what can I do?

[Conservative,]

This is a tough one. It really depends on whether it is life threatening or not. If the operation could save your life or enhance your quality of life A LOT then go through with it.

However if it is just something that would be better, but doesn't necessarily need to be done for you to live a full and happy life, I don't see why you should. Doctors said I needed an operation by the time I was 3, I haven't had one and I'm 15 in 2 days, because my mum said it wasn't necessary and my life is fine.

But my friend missed about 4/5 months of school in year 8 to have life saving surgery. He decided to re-do year 8 (so he'll leave school at 19) because he missed so much, and most schools allow that if it's extreme circumstances.

I understand you don't want to miss school, but as I said, it really depends on how necessary the surgery is. If it's an absolute must - go through with it and re-do year 11. I know it sounds like a drag and it will take a year out of your life (potentially), but it's worth it.

[e5]

I'm sure you're not much more mentally strong than you were when you were ten... It's up to you really... But at 16 youre at the age where your stronger than you were when you were 10 for sure, youre just scarred from the time it didnt work the last time... Give it a shot You will get loads of sympathy to help you through it too!!