Pam, some of those narcotic-y pain meds mess up my system, too.

I had back surgery x 2 at L4-5 about 10 years ago. The first thing they did after I started PT was put me on a stationery bike. If I had been a cyclist then, I know I would have been able to ride after I had recovered. It wouldn't have taken a year, either. Of course, YMMV. But I don't think you'll be looking at a whole year of being unable to ride. You might have to curtail, or work up distance slowly, but not ride at all? I don't think so.

Vibing for a good outcome for you and Mary,
Karen