Maybe it's a "guy" thang and the reason that @racerman would go back to "light construction, sport horses and formula car racing" after a spine surgery. I'm not willing to risk another 6 hr. surgery and the pain aftermath, as well as the emotional/mental toll. I'd rather adjust my lifestyle, or even forego some favorite activities, rather than risk injury to the extensive spine work the neurosurgeon did to improve my spine. Too often, people simply say they've had "back surgery" and don't realize the significance of actual surgery on the spine. Our spine is the pathway to our brain. In reality, it's not just "back surgery", it is a most serious operation where a minor error could result in serious consequences to a patient. I'm a 79-yr. old woman who has always been active and lived a healthy lifestyle. At times, I've been a risk taker--but not at the expense of a quality of life--or life itself. In March 2026, I had a T20 pelvis fusion with L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and L5-S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with S2AI screws for pelvic fixation. This spine surgery permanently altered my mobility. There's always a possibility that a person could have permanent physical damage from a fall in the bathroom. Nevertheless, I intend to live a full and meaningful life even though I either can't or choose not to continue some favorite activities. There are consequences to behavior and we have to decide which consequences we're willing to live with.