Pat, I have never needed back surgery so I can't empathize, but I did have one surgery as an adult.

I did all the positive things I could. I reminded myself to use "Please" and "Thank You" to all medical staff, especially nurses who often don't have a great time of it with patients. (I remember the day after surgery, a nurse from the day before was on a different ward but popped in to see how I was doing. SOMEHOW - after the anesthetic and all the day before - her name popped into my head, and I smiled and said, "Good morning, (name). How are you today?" Well, her smile just lit up the whole room!)

I was a churchgoer at the time, and even went to the anointing of an oil for healing. Why not? I put all the positive things in my favour!

I'll email you a humourous memo I wrote at the time. Just before I went to the OR, a nurse saw it and cracked up. My older, experienced, wizened surgeon got a good chuckle out of it; he wore a faded surgical cap with teddy bears on it. Whether it was a gift from a grandchild or said something about his personality, I don't know.

HUGS to you - I know it's a while to wait - but it does sound like you are in great hands!