Hi all, sorry I haven't been so active in a while.

Basically, I am interested in finding others who have had back fusion surgery and learn more about it because I am so terrified, but the pain is so bad that I am willing to do anything at this point.

I had back surgery on the left side L4/L5 to remove part of a herniated disc. That was in November 2014. I was scared, but it worked for a while.

This new surgery is going to be major and a long recovery. It's a herniated disc on the L4/L5 on the right side. I have seen pictures of what it will look like, so that I understand.

Someone said something about wearing a brace for 2 months. What kind of brace is it? What types of physical limitations should I expect after surgery? I know I will need a walker and I bought one of those grabby things that you squeeze and pick up stuff with.

Any help or suggestions that I might want to think about?

How scared should I really be? I am literally terrified.

Thanks for any responses I might get!