@judyhendricks1959 I do know how frightening it is. Trust in your surgeon and that you can do hard things is imperative. Does the doctor believe the surgery will reduce your pain by half? Do you believe you the surgery will work? If those are yeses, trust the process.
For me, the pain from the surgery lasted about 3 weeks and it wasn’t worse than before the surgery. Plus the team I had behind me helped me manage it and reduce the meds quickly as I wanted to.
I watched YouTube videos of people who had fusion surgery and the journey they shared. I learned everything from what to take to the hospital, what to expect while in the hospital, to what to start purchasing to provide for my success when I got home. This forum also provided the support that increased my confidence and squelched my fears. Plus I’m a firm believer that I can cast my fears upon the Lord and He was faithful to fill me with His peace. I’m praying the same for you.
Keep a pen and paper with you and write down your fears, thoughts, and questions and reach out. You’ll find someone who has probably shared that thought and they are ahead of you on this journey.
Best! k