Caryb-Good luck on your upcoming surgery! Remember: no one ever said it would easy; they said it would POSSIBLE! Remember to keep us posted on your progress and to post in your Profile -- it's great for new comers to see what all of our journeys looked like.
Give yourself plenty of time to heal -- take things slowly. Follow your doctor's advice -- he/she's been through this before. Everyone is different; don't compare yourself to others.