I know you have done your homework and are prepared for surgery. Try to stay positive about it too. There will be encouragement from this site too. I am post C3-7, my second fussions. This for me was painfull but I got though it. There is another on the threads who is just two weeks post, and still pretty sore. I hope your surgery goes real well and that you get the relief you need to have a better quality of life. Don't be afraid to ask for more meds in hospital if you need it. I was treated very good for pain. ginnie