I had a ruptured disk at L4/5 and spondylolisthesis at L3/4. I had one surgery to address both and have had a marked reduction in pain and improved function, but there are plenty of people with different experiences.
Once I decided to go ahead with the surgery, I told myself to prepare for it by getting in the best personal physical and mental shape (for me) that I could. I asked my PCP for a PT referral, worked with the PT ( 2x wk for 6 wks), asked the PT for a Home Exercise Program (and still do it daily). I had a BMI over 25, so I laser-focused on losing weight safely, took awhile, but I got there.
As far as mental preparation, I am a person of faith, so I prayed daily, it helped me feel calm and centered. At hospital intake the morning of surgery, I asked for the Protestant chaplain to visit me in recovery, my sister-in-law was with me for pre-op, I asked her to pray with me before they took me. All of it helped me stay calm and centered. I had difficulties during/after the surgery that I was taken to the ICU and spent 3 days there. The chaplain’s visits and my SIL visits with prayer really helped again to keep me calm and centered.
Once I decided to go ahead with surgery, I was determined to give myself the best possible chance for the most successful recovery I could reach. I figured the surgeon would do his part, and I would try hard to do my part too. Now, I’m at about 70% of function, with intermittent but manageable pain, I’m happy and grateful for that.