Hi Catherine, I am a active 68 year female will be having the same surgery in January, the 14th. T11-S2. I am in the process of revamping my home and purging as I expect I will not be able to access lower cabinets or lift for some time -- maybe ever. I am already grieving the loss of mobility. Gave away my golf clubs and hopeful I will bike again. Praying the trade off is I can walk and stand without pain. My understanding is patience is what will be required. Another person, reached out to me a year ago on this support group and said not to give up....she is going on year two (post surgery) and is beginning to get back to a normal life (abiet adapted for the mobility restrictions. ) She said she gave up a few times and now is mad at herself for giving up. All this is to say, don't give up. Maybe we can support each other through this next year! Tamra