Hi Misty ....
Please speak to a Doctor .. get all this anxiety and questions out to them ... it's not healthy to be so stressed before surgery....
The type of work you do ... (which I have upmost respect to you for) isn't helping your back condition. As lifting and bending etc just irritates it more.. ;-( and kids.... well, how old are they, have you a partner or anyone that can support you when you get out ... as really, you have gotta recover, and it will take time .... the kids can help out too ... it's a good thing to get kids involved in 'looking after Mum for a bit '
You sound like a wonderful person, and a bit of a worryier .... that's not a bad thing .. but YOU will need to be looked after for a short while after, and to get everyone involved to understand thier roles in the house, sooner rather than later, will prepare you and them for when you get outta hospital.
Take care, and I will find out more by probing websites for some answers for you...

Ginger

Well .... I did say I'd check it out for you .....

After surgery ... you are encouraged to get up and mobile ASAP... you will be advised how much you are and not allowed to do....to do light chores is ok, not to overdo anything, and to take one step at a time ...

I had a disc removed last year ... and I wasn't allowed to drive, or do any lifting for 6 weeks ... I can drive now .. but I still cannot lift anything too heavy, as I still get twinges, so I just don't do it ... I have to half all my washing, shopping etc ..so I can carry it ... ok I gotta do multiple trips up n down the stairs and from the car etc .. but it's good excersise!
You have 3 kids, they can help you out ... make it into a game if they are really young ...
I can't tell you how to run your life .. but if lifting and bending are essential in your job, please ask your boss if these jobs could be restricted, cos as you have already had a disc removed last year, you've already hurt yourself again this year, and undergoing surgery again ... you have already weakened your back. I hate to say it, but I really don't think you'd be able to do this kinda work all day everyday if you have to lift / bend etc ... ;-(
Sorry to be blunt, but you're health is paramount here...
Ginger

thanks so much for replying Ginger. I feel I was pushed back into my job a bit too fast after the last surgery, and that played a big part in my re-injury. (a lot of it my own fault, I loved my job and wanted back at it) My neurosurgeon is one of the best, I have all the faith in the world in him as a surgeon but his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired lol, he's not big on answering questions. I think I'm more worried about life after surgery than the surgery itself. I've always been very independant (some would go so far as to say stubborn lol) so asking for help is going to take some getting used to. I guess its time to face facts tho, I don't want to have to keep going thru this pain. I just turned 40, have a lot of years in me yet to be playing this game, just going to have to learn to play by different rules. Thanks again for your time, Misty