Hi Mark! I just read your first post and was about to write and tell you to read Ella's account of her surgery - looks like you found her!
Do you mind sharing with us where you are having your surgery? I live in Nashville and was just curious. If I ever decide to go with the surgery I will most likely use Vanderbilt, but my last neuro doc was over there and I quit going to him because they were too quick to suggest surgery - and thank God I am not at that point yet.
Good Luck and let us know how you are doing!
All the best for a successful procedure,
Rhonda