A laminectomy will be a drop in a bucket after all the ab surgeries you've had. Any surgery procedure can be scary. My husband, mother in law, and cousin have gone through these. That doesn't make it less than scary to you! A laminectomy is invasive but not as much as major back surgery. Maggie, I will pray for you. I cope by reading all I can on the subject. You will do wonderfully. I will also specifically pray for your surgeons hands as well. Follow the doctors instructions afterwards. Don't be tempted to lift or do more than he or she says afterwards. Especially when you're feeling better and tired of the restrictions placed on you for your recovery at home. Ask for help, if you need pain meds take them. A zero gravity chair that you can get at ace, home depot, is helpful for recovery if your bed is uncomfortable. Take stool softner, drink more water, prune juice, whatever works for you. Keeping bowel movements helps lessen any pain you may have. You're going to do great!