Debra, I forgot about Steve55... at several months post-op from 3-level cervical ADR, he had osteomyelitis. The case was very strange. The presentation was unlike a 'normal' post-surgical infection. Labs were not out of range and the onset of the infection was very late.... most likely not from the surgery.
My 3 mo X ray - Discs tilted all over the place
If you liked the ski video after my lumbar surgery, check this out at less than a year post-op from my 4-level cervical ADR:
YouTube - Indoor-Skydive-ROM-Test1.mpg
Hiking the Grand Canyon sounds like a great goal. I'll bet you get there sooner than you think!
All the best,
Mark