@karenoharmon: Oh #@#*, I hope that I've already experienced the mental slump and don't have another to get through another at the 1-year mark! What likely contributed to having mental health funk post-surgery was the death of a favorite sister just 5 months before, placement in memory care of mother @ 101 yrs. with failing health just prior to surgery (recently died), another sister given only 5 months to live, other family issues; and, the seriousness and enormity of spinal surgery. A number of awful things could have happened during surgery. Mortality reality and mobility challenges overtook my ability and resiliency to "get through" tough times. Thankfully, all was put into positive perspective, along with adapting to and problem-solving the mobility issues. I don't know if going through all this made me any stronger, but it did teach me that I can endure and go on. Most, if not all, medical practices check on a patient's mental health status at each visit. As I mentioned in a previous chat, I firmly believe that the medical profession should do more in patient education about possible post-surgery issues.