Hi Susan ~ you still have s lot of healing to do yet. you had a lot of trauma done to your spine, and muscles and nerves are still very irritated. it's difficult to say how much longer you should expect pain. some never do get rid of all the pain, so don't be too surprised if you do retain some residual discomfort. surgery does not take away pain and if your doctor told you that, he's an idiot. surgery only corrects mechanical problems, and that's it.

if you are somewhat thin, i suppose you could feel the screws. ick, i wouldn't like that feeling. if your depression has increased, please tell your doctor. an increase in your meds might be called for.

are you due to go back to your surgeon for another check up? if so, bring up these concerns to him. if not, i'd make an appt. with him and talk to him about the continued pain . i think i'd wait another couple of weeks and see how you do. best of luck anld God bless. hugs, lee