Whew!

What an ordeal. Don't let anybody tell you it is easier the second time you have back surgery because it all hurts a lot!
Doc found a problem at T9-10 just like we knew so he aggressively treated it. It was cleaned out and partially ectomied, then the fusion on the left was done to another level at T11 to span that joint nicely and hold it all in place. Because he doesn't want this one to fail like the last, I am wearing a fairly uncomfortable brace that keeps me in a rigid posture, but I made it through the surgery, survived the hospital and even made a friend while in there!
Home now, taking it easy...I'm allowed 20 minutes of sitting every hour, so I'm checking email in bursts and getting caught up. It feels good.