I understand this is an extensive surgery. My Dad had 5 levels done and prior to that he was highly active. I worry now as he is seemingly giving up. He is in more pain now than he was before the surgery. His symptoms are as Kim desribes. He starts PT tomorrow. Is there any hope of improvement? He is 65, but extremely healthy. I am freaking out for him. I wish he had come to where I live to have his surgery. He didn't as he wanted to be closer to home. I think had he come here, he would have had a better outcome given the caliber of our surgeons. His doc seems to be giving him the run around. "You had five levels, it takes time to recover." What do you all think and what have your experiences been?