Eileen
As a Nurse, I can comprehend your anxieties. The surgery and recovery period won't be as difficult as you might anticipate. My Mother had this surgery and did extremely well. By the time you receive my message, your surgery will have been completed and you're already home recuperating. I hope you had the surgery performed by a NeurSurgeon whom are experts with any kind of Spinal Surgery. Make sure you follow your Surgeon's instructions very closely which will most likely shorten your recuperation time at home. If at any time you have any concerns, phone your Surgeon and speak with him directly and not his Ancillary Personnel; Surgeons are more expertise. Your Insurance Company most likely will cover this. If at any time you are disatisfied with your Surgeon, ask him to refer you for a 2nd opinion or seek out another Neurosurgeon-that's you Patient Right. If he cannot refer you to another NeuroSurgeon, phone the hospital and either speak directly with the Director of Nurses or a Supervisor at the hospital and request a list; usually the first name on the list is the best. Usually the Professional Emergency Room Personnel can also give you a list. You will find in a short time that the surgery is successful and will continue to have much more mobility, less pain along with seeing your 2 year old toddler grow up. Rarely is this surgery not successful but in case it is not you may contact me for further advise. Good luck with your recovery period and family life.