Hey everyone,

My girlfriend is scheduled for decompression surgery Jan. 18 and her post-op care is something that's on my mind -- among many other things -- so I thought I'd write with a few questions.

For those of you who have had decompression surgery, what are some things family members and/or significant others did for you that really helped you out? Of course, with as crippling as the post-op recovery can be, I realize the obvious things like household chores and all of that will be on me. But I'm interested in hearing things that aided you in your recovery that you couldn't have planned for before having surgery. I get that every person's circumstances and recovery are so unique with CM, but I figure the more stories I can hear, the better.

Also, what frustrated you the most after surgery once you were home? What obstacles did you run into that you couldn't have envisioned as far as post-op care, and how can those obstacles be avoided for other CM patients?

And what did you wish your significant other or family members understood about your recovery that they just couldn't grasp because they weren't the ones living their lives with this condition?

Thanks in advance for any insight, advice, etc.