In Sep 06 I had a compression op on my spine, number 5 vertebrae had gotten mashed up, splintered and was compressing against number 6. I had been in quite a bit of discomfort for a loooooong time and the op was a complete success. I can lift my own kit now instead of feabily asking for help
I was off work for three months and dived about another month after that. Talk about bored! Take things easy and good luck with the recovery.
Cheers,
Ian