I think I have pretty much posted most of the details.
Cathie

The neck is also a problem, and I know he wanted to do surgery there, but I did not remember to ask her about that. Sorry, lots going on here right now.

You know, my daughter had a boyfriend a couple of years ago, who had a fusion done at the neck. He would not stop smoking and I remember him complaining a lot about continual pain, when he should have already healed up months later. His surgeon said that you do not heal well if you smoke.