Thanks ginnie! One thing that has me wondering is this: When a laminectomy is performed, they remove the back portion of the bone or lamina, and the arch which protects the spinal cord. Doesn't this pose a risk for damage to the cord in the future? It's one of many questions I have for my doctor when I see him again on the 4th of November. My tests had to be rescheduled due to my insurance company initially denying the tests. Imaging center, did a peer to peer review and so far they have gotten the Ct of my cervical spine and MRI of cervical spine authorized. I'm still waiting on the authorization for the lumbar spine MRI. Financially, it's best to have all three done on the same day because with my insurance, I only have to pay one co pay of $150.oo whereas if I had all three tests done on different days, it would be $450.oo total. You're right, the tests, the waiting, the not knowing what to expect...it's so stressful. I'm worried about the length of the anesthesia and issues with coming off of the vent following surgery. Hopefully, the pulmonary doctor will clear me and it won't be too much of an issue. Guess I'm just going to have to wait and see what he says. I see him on the 28th. My doctor also ordered an EMG which I'm guessing he will use as a baseline for nerve response during surgery. Sigh.....it's all so scary. Thanks again for your support, it means a lot to me to have someone to share my thoughts with. My husband is supportive, but he's a nervous wreck about all of this and I find that discussing it with him, just makes him worry more. Guess that's what us gals do huh? Protect the ones we love.