Hello everyone my name is anthony and i came to these forums to become educated on what i am facing on the 23rd. I am getting a fusion done in my lower back,i am 34 and never even had an I.V let alone a surgery procedure.I am scared beyond scared. Well let me get my story out of the way first. Like i said i am 34 and work for Fedex freight .That is were my injury occurred for the most part.The doctor says that i have degenerative disc disease and i must have had it for some time now.The final straw was the herniation that occurred at work and i am now in need of the surgery.I had the steroid shots last year and after 2 weeks i was back in pain. Then they gave me an mri and discovered the herniation and the tears.I was then scheduled to have a Discogram (which was the worst pain i have ever felt) and that revealed the need for surgery on one level. Now for my questions...

1.For those that have had the surgery, can you explain to me what happens from the point you enter the hospital till you actually go under..

2.What tubes are hooked up to you when you wake up? if any?

3.Pain level after you wake up?

4.how long are you in the hospital? (i know it will vary)

5.I have heard of some horror stories of this surgery going bad. Screws breaking, coming loose, rods breaking, etc. Anyone experience this?

6.My doctor told me that pain may linger after the surgery, not as bad though. I also work for fedex freight and i am required to lift up to 125 pounds if need be, doc said thats a no-no and suggested i get another career.For those that have had the surgery, how is your pain level now? have you been able to return to work normally?
7. I have also heard that if i moved south (florida for instance) i will find some post op pain relief due to the warm weather..I live in the pocono mtns of pa and when its cold i suffer.

i may have some more questions but that is it for now. Thanks in advance for the help.