I had the surgery. I actually had it not work in my case and had to go back thru the backside with a big ole rod and screws and more a few weeks later. I am one year out. Here's what I can say:
In my case it HAD to be done. If it has to be done then relax. Do you have pain and did the doctors say it will relieve the pain?
I know many people thru my experience that have had 100% pain relief and are THRILLED TO DEATH. I know a couple others who had to go back for some revision.
I saw many people over the years who gave varying opinions. I trust my orthosurgeon when he wanted to wait. I got to the point where the pain inhibited everything. He acquiesced. Its my 5th joint replacement surgery. So I am not a newby. But in my case - (you already know - because they are taking your bones out) they did not know my bones were soft - because my DEXAs said otherwise. When they opened me up my bones fell apart in their hands. Good news (always some good, right?) they pulverized the bones and filled the cage with it and did not use other "stuffings" so its the best case for not getting infections, rejections and to enhance healing.
If you trust your surgeon great.
If you can line up good trusted aftercare great.
These surgeries are turning out to be the only time in life I get a vacation from life! I don't have to cook!
Make sure you are in a hospital with GREAT FOOD!
Takes lots of antinausea meds so you can eat the food!
Take lots of pain killers and do exercise.
Ask for them to elongate your neck! (free $100,000 facelift in the bargain!)
(they did with mine - they told me afterwards)
Talk to the patients in your ward and get tips
Set your home up properly to aid you afterwards
Make sure you do exercise before surgery and get deep tissue work if you can afford it,
We are each different so take everything with a grain of salt. I had to have mine in order to function.
but my biomechanical problems were myomuscular in nature as well (from several auto accidents and arthritis). to tell. you the truth, I wished they had taken more bones out and replaced because I still have some arthritis issues.
Consider yourself LUCKY because I know people whose doctors won't do the surgery because you have to be engaged in your healing process.
I've had two hips and lumbar replacements as well as some other things. At each major surgery I got so much better and got my life back afterwards. None of them were straightforward. I am happy taking the Percocet to get thru the first couple months. I have no addiction issues - I HAVE PAIN ISSUES and I don't believe in suffering. Talk to your doctor about pain-relieving modalities. I have an arsenal! Good luck!!! You'll love it when you are finished. I couldn't move a stitch. I couldn't make the bed. Each time before surgery I am "ready" when they wheel me in, the pain is so great. I hope yours is really successful!