Spine/Fusion Operation

[Jeffju]

If anyone has had experience of or knows someone who has had a spinal fusion or similar operation, do you know how long (approx) they are in hospital and how long the recuperation period is at home?

I need to sort out some time off at work too, as I have no holiday left this year, does anyone know how I go about this? e.g. time off without pay

[veritymoon]

my dad had spinal surgery about 5 years ago they fused a few of his vetebra lumber/sacral area. he has disc degenaration disease.he was in hospital for 5 days ( they told him 7-10days) he had to take 6mths off work because he does a job which involves heavy lifting and now has permenant nuts and bolts in his spine. these where mwnt to be taken out but they have since discovered that its not possible to remove them. his back is much better after surgery though not 100% .he still takes painkillers but not half as much as he used to.