Should I have a C-Section or a Vaginal Birth. Please read backstory first

I am trying to decide whether to have a c-section or a vaginal birth. Of course I would prefer to have a vaginal birth, but I have had some issues. About 8 years ago I had an emergency hemorrhoidectomy. It was awful to say the least! I ended up having complications and had to have a lateral internal sphincteromoty. This is where the anal muscle is cut on one side so your anus can open up from r a bowel movement. A year later it still had not healed so they wanted to do surgery on the other side. This surgery eventually leads to incontinence, especially when performed on both sides of the anus. So now here I am 31 weeks pregnant with horrible external hemorrhoids. The doctor suggested a c-section to prevent any further trauma to the area. He said it could lead to a life of incontinence if I tore even more :( What would you do? I want to experience birthing a baby so badly. I also also afraid of complications from a c-section. Are there any mommas out there who can tell me a little more about having a c-section? Do you have long term problems from it? Do you feel like you missed out on a vaginal birth? How soon until you can pick up and hold your baby?