Trish:
Six weeks is not long, considering that it will definately change it all for you!! It was closer to 4 weeks when I drove, and it was due to necessity (and only a very short distance first). Mine truly had little pain, it was more frustration of the inconvenience (plus wearing that hard brace in the Texan summer!!) - but as with all major surgeries, it took a lot out of you - so you have to build your strength and stamina again. It took a while for me to walk any great distance - that was the biggest roadblock for me. Glad to hear you're using the cadaver, definately a much easier way to go!! So, at least it sounds like you're on the right track - got a plan, and have researched it to a good comfort level. Just keep taking a step at a time, and before you know it, you'll be doing cartwheels (okay, maybe in our dreams - I couldn't even do one when I was a kid!!) The best of luck to you!!

By the way, did they ever mention anything about a Myelogram/Neurologist?? That's where they shoot the dye up your spine and take an X-ray & CAT scan. That's what determined the extent of the herniated discs, as well as the pinched nerves that were causing some of the numbness in my arms/hands?? That was what the military didn't do - if they had, it probably wouldn't have gotten as bad as it was.

Keep smiling - we're all thinking good & happy thoughts for you!! :rolleyes: