Bruce, I pray for the best of results for you. My wife has had similar surgery in the lumbar-sacral region of her back and has done quite well. You will do as well, I am sure. 73, GL, Jim AMATEUR RADIO: The only fail-safe communications system in the world. ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio is! Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director, Great Lakes Division ARRL 5065 Bethany Rd., Mason, OH 45040-9660, Tel. 513-459-0142, E-mail k8je@arrl.org