Hi Milsey, I was delighted to find this thread as i am in the same postion I'm 26 and out of work for nearly a yr (unpaid since Oct) i'm going for surgery but I'm afraid of going back to work because I also work in care of the elderly. I'm wondering did you return to work? and if so how has it affected your back? I really appreciate feedaback on this as I'm currently in caught between a rock and a hard place both with my back and my finances. Thank you.