Good luck with the operation. I have had on and off back pain for 10 years now and know that there is nothing worse. You just can't get comfortable no matter what you do. As a hint for anyone else with back pain - what works for me is as soon as my back starts to hurt I take Ibuprophen and keep on it for at least several days. It sure works for me and if I don't take it the pain just keeps getting worse.

Hope you make a swift recovery and get lots of entries into the Chipguide.