@erdocsmom just remember that surgical pain goes away and as soon as you can walk shot distance the work begins I'm up too 2 miles all through out the day I wear a step counter to keep track of and log in a planer so every day I can see what I've done and how my pain level is everyday. My first surgeon taught me this and have done it with each surgery I've had since. In the end it gives me better quality of life. I think to when the everyday pain is gone and all you have to deal with is the surgical pain it easier because you know that the worst is gone after 2 to 3 weeks it just become discomfort and that you can deal with and control. Please let me know when your schedule and I will keep you in my prayers. Be sure before surgery you walk and exercise as much as you can tolerate it will help with recovery as well as increasing your proteins for growing bone. Keep me updated. If you need to chat just let me know it's nice to know someone who's been down that road.

@erdocsmom
Hello,
If you haven't already I would recommend getting at least 3 opinions from reputable surgeons. Many surgeons don't do many procedures this big or they only go through the front. My surgery was 6+ hours. The first 3 weeks were not fun but the main pain generator for me was the rigid brace hitting right on the incision as well as the pressure it put on the shoulders and deltoids. Evidently the positioning for the surgery cause much of the pain in the neck, shoulders and upper arms. I ended up using 3 different braces before finding the most comfortable one. ( I found the Breg Pinnacle was the best for me) I was on about 60 mgs of hydrocodone as well as gabapentin and Robaxin(muscle relaxant for about 3-4 wks. After the tenderness wore off it was mainly Tylenol. No NSAIDS for the 1st 6 weeks as my doctor said they inhibit fusion growth. I did sleep in a recliner for several months as it was much more comfortable. All downhill after that and am very pleased with the outcome. If you have any questions just let me know.