Hello,
I'll post a link to our spinal forum for you & I'll place a copy of your post over there so others can say hello, and offer help & info .

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

The kids should be good helpers for you during recovery at that age, at least they aren't toddlers anymore....now that would be a big challenge.

I know of a teenager that had to have a 9 levels fused due to severe scoliosis, she did quite well. No grafts needs though.
approx 1.5 weeks in hospital
another 2 weeks or so before much activity at home.

thank you for the link. i will go check it out. is it true you have to post **before going into chat. i want to talk to folks who have had this done. i've had surgeries to my knees/shoulders, and even c-sections and surgery for uterine cancer... but, this seems so invasive and to be under anesthesia for so long... just worries me. i'm not so young anymore and the risks are high. my children, although older, are unable to drive. that is the biggest challenge... getting them to and from school. thanks.