Back surgery (cont.) -- scheduled, and I'm scared!

[phesina]

Hi folks, just wanted to update you regarding my potential back surgery... after all my earlier discussion here (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?185449) and all the concerned and helpful feedback and information I got from you all.

It is now scheduled for Sept. 15, by Dr. Rakesh Patel at the University of Michigan Hospital.

I could have had it late July, but my nephew is getting married Aug. 30. and I didn't want to take the chance I might not be rehabbed enough at that point to attend the wedding.

I think I'm scared just about out of my wits. I have had this nameless fear floating around at the base of my stomach for the last 4 or 5 days, and I think that's what it is about: Just being so helpless for so long after, and all the things that might go wrong.

I have an appointment to see Dr. Patel again on Tuesday, July 22. I want to ask him just what I can expect assuming things go as planned, in terms of what shape I'll be in and how long it will take for me to become more self-sufficient in varying degrees.

Also, what if things don't go as planned.. what kinds of things might possibly go wrong, and how likely is it that any of these things might happen, and what then..

Ellie, and others who have had such surgery or know people who have.. I'd appreciate greatly any feedback you have on this, experience with it and if so what did you do, etc.

Thanks very much! I love you all.

Pat (and cats)