James again...I got a call from my surgeon's PA on Monday, and my surgery's scheduled for the first week in October. I'm meeting with the surgery group later this month to iron out the details, but besides cleaning up the mess my lumbar spine is in, they'll likely implant a rod to keep one of the vertebrae from shifting. All I have to do is enjoy the summer sitting on my butt (I'd rather be doing yard work or something...anything)! I'll be the second surgery of the day, so I feel like that's a good time for me while the doc is more awake and fresh rather than late in the day when he's done a bunch. It's on a Friday, so if all goes according to plan, I'll spend the weekend in the hospital and go home Monday after they take out the drain. I'll keep you apprised of the situation, but keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed. Thanks for the good thoughts, prayers or karma!