Ered, it's a tough decision to make and sometimes during recovery you will wonder why the hell you did it. I recovered very well (I had a different surgery...but it was still back surgery, with hardware) I think primarily because of two things: (1) I was 100% faithful with my PT--it pissed me off that I had to spend so much time doing it (when the benefits were often not apparent) but I'm stubborn so I kept at it and (2) I did not expect to be 100% free of pain after surgery. Recovery was a PITA, but it really wasn't that bad (certainly not as bad as the Internet would have you believe). It took me probably 6 weeks to recover from what I will call the surgical pain. Otherwise, gradual improvement. I know that I will need to continue maintenance for the rest of my life.

Pick an episode from the last year in which you either melted down form the pain or couldn't do something because of the pain. Remember how that made you feel mentally and physically. And then remember, with emphasis, that it is in the past and that you are moving on.

My episodes were being able to bend over on a whim to pick something up and not being able to put on my shoes without excruciating pain. I still have some pain and occasional numbness in my right leg, but I can now bend over pretty easily and put on shoes without much thought.

Hang in there and be patient with yourself!