That stinks. I lived without insurance for years. I was on Cobra, insurance from the company I used to work for. I had 2 discs fused. I'm back to most normal activity. I can't look up. But my hands are functional again and I do work a full time job. I was out of work for over a year after surgery.

I have a herniated disk in my back too that I have to be careful about.

Basically know your limitations and don't over do it.

Unfortunately without good insurance, the care isn't the same. I've seen this with my kids over the years. State insurance they got the minimum services, good insurance equals better care. It sucks!!

Hopefully you can tough it out until the Medicare kicks in.