I honestly thought I'd replied to this so please accept my apologies.

I don't know what methods re spinal surgery are implemented in the US, but if they are anything like my experience then I feel you will do OK.

The cut and slice in my case was a lot smaller than I expected and the layers of flesh were "glued"back together rather than stitched or stapled.

The most immediate effect when this was all over was that the muscles in that area when into a tight spasm. Apparently they do this to somehow protect the area of the spine where the surgery took place.

Nor painful just weird and slightly immobilising which was relieved with small doses of Diazepam to combat the spasm.

The only thing I suffer with occasionally is sciatica which I'm told is more related to an inflamed buttock muscle than anything spinal.

I hope all goes OK for you Sarge and wish you well in all of this.