Hi...and I haven't had that, getting ready to have tlif on the ninth. But from what I read about it, when they go in through the abdomen its suppose to be easier to recover from..that's what I read somewhere, don't hold me to it. I am sure that someone her has had that one. I read alot online at spine health and find out all I can. I wish you the best of luck, and we know what you mean about nerves.