clairemcl Good luck to you and blessings! I am facing similar surgery soon, stainless steel rods on either side of my spine and pins in the vertebrae for severe, sudden-unset scoliosis. I lost 7” in height in 3 years. I am 72 years old and although this surgery is risky with an 40% failure rate according to my surgeon, my life without surgery will be stronger and stronger opiates and a wheelchair, which is not an option for me. I wish you the best of luck and you will be in my prayers!