Preparation for Spine Surgery

We know in life, there is a prepping stage for all things. The same holds true for surgery. I am in that preparation phase now. This is what it looks like.

First, you have your consultation with the neurosurgeon. He basically goes over your MRI. He lets you know what he sees and recommends the best solution. I am being asked to have a nerve test done. I have Spondylitis, and it has reached the place of intolerable pain.

Every prior treatment ceased to give me relief. When you have bone-to-bone going on, bone spurs affecting your nerves, and an aching pain when you're sitting or standing, you need help.
As the consultation is being done, the neurosurgeon, with his kind bedside manner, explains about the degenerative damage of the spine. We look at the Mri and look at all the markers of inflammation. We look at L3, L4, L5 and identify where most of the pain and numbness live.
The Dr.makes it clear that certain tests must be done before a surgical operation occurs.

I am given instructions to follow prior to the actual surgery day.

Preparing Mentally

This is a big one for me. There is so much running through my head. Will the surgery relieve all the pain? How much pain will I be in post-surgery? I've had surgery before, and it was a total nightmare. So much so that when I was fully sedated, something went horribly wrong. I had a blood transfusion and was incubated due to surgery gone wrong. I really need this spine surgery, and I am doing my best to be positive. I am taking this time to prepare myself to be stress-free. I am preparing myself to trust the surgeon and preparing myself to see myself pain-free.

I look forward to being able to sit up for long periods and not screaming because my back says, No.
I miss being able to drive for an hour drive and not depend on others. Decompression is a word that is very familiar in the Spondylitis community. I know for me, it is a relief. I am looking forward to the relief of my spine being decompressed and my nerves being set free.

When I look at all the components of the structures of the spine and bone spurs pressing against this nerve and that nerve, I am so ready to have surgery, and I welcome the preparation of what Im required to do to make the process a success. I am in pain most of the day to sit, stand and walk.
I await the day when I'm fully recovered and I can maintain somewhat a quote-unquote "Normal Life."No more emergency room visits because my spine locked up. It is very painful, and you can barely move.

Picture attached of one of many hospital visits.