newbie w/ a low back hybrid in the making

[larae]

Hi-
Uhm, I am awaiting a hybrid authorization. I am so glad I found this sight. ALthough, somehow scared... I had a failed diskogram (way more painful then excpected) and now am switching to ODS to get auth. After so long in pain (4 yrs of really bad pain and disability), I am wondering if I have the nerve to go through with this. especially after reading that it takes one to two yrs for healing. hmmm.
I wanted to post a new thread asking: what can people do after this type of surgery. I mean... I'd like to go skiing again, or jogging, etc. it's not the surgery, it's the defining moment of possibly loosing your youth. way too early, I may add.
I was also diagnosed with Lyme Disease, not too long ago, after being laid flat from a work flu (I am ironically a physical therapist assistant). They say that it is obviously contributing to my pain. which is pretty systemic. I so not think waiting until my Lyme is under control will make a difference. Although the last "day surgery" I had, put me in the ICU because of my weakened immune system.
My to-be surgeon (we went to school together! doogie houser, MD) told me, w/i 6 months, I should be pain free (I have no sciatica, it's all localized...just feels swollen, torn up,burns and like a broken back....just). The second opinion MD says, "if you have any apprehension, don't do it, wait until it's truly unbearable, especially being this young and because I have so many other issues (Lyme, two hips that are dysplased)". But WHO ISN'T apprehensive!?
I cannot wait for that pain to go away! will that pain go away? Does anyone else have an autoimmune system issue as well?
Thank you for all of your posts. I will sift through some blogs...however, it would be easier if everyone who has had the HYBIRD
just called to let me know how they are doing! lol!
Sincerely,
Barb
FYI: I am not rushing into PT too quickly, after studying about it, practicing it and knowing that soft tissue needs so much healing time before
"strengthening".
Live in Oregon. 37 yrs old...should still be 30!