@secretguy Sorry to hear of your back surgery as it brought back memories of my brother in law's 12 hour surgery (supposed to be 2 -3 hours max). It took him a year to learn to walk again and still has drop-foot in one of his feet.
He had a great doctor (did Casey Kasem's surgery) who couldn't figure out why it turned out the way it did. He can still ride his Harley (which I tell him time and again to sell) and is active as ever but I hope I never have to go through something like that. Hope you have a quick and fruitful recovery.
All the best,
Nonoise