Hi Skygardner
 

That is good news, about that many doctors looking at your reports. The more that look at it the better! I so know about that fear. That is why I found this site too. I was so sick with fear I was nauseated most of the time. I would indeed hold your hand if I could. None of it is fun or easy to consider. You have friends here, that will help you cope. Two days after my surgery, even in some pretty bad pain, I did type a few sentances to NT. I was so surprised to find so many people who were thinking about me during the proceedure, and they were there for me after also. You are doing all the right things. ginnie:hug:

i was just told i need fusion in my lower lumbar and in my neck.. i hve four herniated discs in my neck along with a buldgin disc. i am really afraid.. please i need advice i cant take the pain anymore. the meds i am on seem to stop working every so often and i just cant do it anymore. i hve two pinched nerves. I am afraid.. please some words of incouragement

i was recammended to have the surgery and i am new to this site i am wondering what is the differnece from posterior and anterior.. which is better for you with a quicker healing time. I have four herniated discs in my neck along with a buldging disk that is putting pressure on my nerve and i have bad headaches along with neck pain and my arm is a whole other story. He also said that i would need fusion in my lower back due to that pinched nerve that is causing me sciatica and alot of pain and numbness. They did the rf on me in my lower back already and it eased some of the pain but not all. I am really afraid of this i have small children and i am a single mom.

I'll leave the rest of your question to some-one with more knowledge than myself, but I can answer this part.

Anterior means you lie on your back for an operation. They cut you through your abdomen and they work from the front.

Posterior means the opposite. You lie on your stomach and they operate from the back.

Good luck if you decide to go through with the operation.