Len, May the Lord Jesus Christ cause this surgery to turn out good! I have had 2 back surgeries; 1 for ruptured disc and one to seal the cerebral-spinal fluid leak that the first surgery caused. The spinal fluid leak hurt me more than the ruptured disc. Still suffering from leg cramps since the surgeries.
In any case, whether we have affliction or not; we look forward to the resurrection of the body, when pain, sorrow and tears will be no more. And best of all, Len--we won't have any sin anymore. Until then, we trudge on, even if we have to crawl, by faith and not by sight. "Maranatha" -- "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"