Sorcha...Really sorry to hear of your probable need for surgery. I don't blame you for being scared...who wouldnt be. And all the probablys and maybes and what ifs are scarier yet. I am deeply distrustful of the medical establishment, and allopathic medicine, but there are some things they are really good for. This may be one of them. Very wise to get 2nd opinion...and 3rd and 4th too, if necessary, until you feel confident with both diagnosis and surgeon. One thing is sure, the body's ability to heal up after such things is truly miraculous, and very often the rehab times the surgeons give you are overblown, to make sure you're not disappointed, maybe. Hold tight, hug a corgi and keep us posted. I will be thinking of you...