Hi and welcome! I'm so sorry for your pain! I would just like to say that there are many here that will share of their experiences, and we are all here to listen and lend support, so ask away!

Regarding surgery: Try to stay focused on things you love, and don't dwell! What comes, comes. If you are satisfied that this is the correct course for you, and you trust your doctor, there is really nothing to be worried about.

MEDS: I took pain meds for many years before my surgery, but they should understand that you will need more after surgery until you are on the way to recovery, so don't fear! If you have problems (with ANYTHING, not JUST meds) after surgery, make sure you talk to your surgeon!

You should also check out the post-surgical must-haves, there are some real life-savers in there, and I always like to add my personal favorite: Soap-on-a-rope (if you can't find any, be sure to have a few in the shower, because if not, you will inevitably drop one! (you really don't realize how often you drop things until you aren't able or allowed to pick them up!

I hope this helps a little bit, I'm sure there are others out there that will add to this.

Be well!

Thanks so much for your advice, 'soap on a rope', great idea. Any other must haves I could benefit from?

I just posted my second update to my Minimally Invasive surgery on the back surgery board if you want to read it.