T-7 Long time back pain, have had other surgeries but told thorasic is unusual. Had my pre-op Friday, Dec 27th, Surgery is January 2, 2008 That is only 2 days away. Can someone tell me about the surgery, how long on stomach,? lay on side ? Wear some type of casting or braces during healing. On the 18th I will be flying to Alaska to assist with the Tustamena 200 dog sled races. No one will ask anything of me I should not be doing. What is the usual recovery ? Anything?????????