My ex wife had to have spinal surgery. (Multiple vertebrae fused)
One thing to expect ... and I will not sugar coat it. The pain after the surgery will be horrendous. For her, it took 4 days until the "pain team" found the right prescription to get the pain under control. Her pain was worse after the surgery than it was before for about 1 year. But then, the benefit of the surgery surpassed the pain. By 18 months, she was delighted that she had performed the surgery. Just remember, the first days/weeks/months can be a little rough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck and God bless.