I have a long vertical incision too-- on the left side where all my compression was on the right. I still use straws when taking any pills to force it down-- but yet no problems eating. I asked why my scar was so much larger then then others---- he said because they were extremely large herinations pressing in the spinal cord. I think part of one disc cumbled-- he told my brother and they had to fish it out --but we never really taked about it in follow up apt. My scar is noticebale and surgery was in 2010 but honestly I dont care its worth it to get pain relief. Im glad the worst part is over and your on the mend now.