I need honest advice

The most important thing to check is that your insurance will cover you in the event of having a problem due to your back. I have had 2 lots of surgery on my back but my insurance covers it because it is a while ago. The moment I claim for my back, I will have to wait until all treatment is finished for a certain period of time for my insurance to kick in again.
As for your flight, if you can travel in a car, on a bus, etc, you will probably be find as long as it isn't too long or you can get up to change position. The only time I have ever had a significant problem is when I travelled on a coach from London to Valencia. At one point, I sat on the steps down to the loo and sobbed because I was was uncomfortable!
Beds do make a difference but if you were comfortable before, you will probably be ok.
Make sure you have plenty of pain killers and have fun.

Sarah75 gave good advice right off the bat. Give it a short trial run. Try not to think or worry about air turbulence - you may have a very smooth flight.

The most important thing - you need to get away. A change of pace is good for your mind. Many amenities are available for your situation.

Don’t be afraid - it’s mind over matter.

It sounds like you are feeling a bit overwhelmed Ffleurie.

In the first instance, why not try a one night somewhere close by and see how that goes. If it goes well try another time for a couple of nights in a different place. Make sure they are the same quality level as the holiday you've booked.

These will be an opportunity to practice asking for help. I had a hip op a while ago and I had to come to terms with not being able to do things and asking for help. But its actually nice to be helped.

I think that there is a balance to be struck somewhere in the middle of doing nothing at all, exploring moving forward a bit and doing something that just feels frightening and unpleasant. The latter defeats the object of 'holiday'.

An alternative would be to spend the holiday money having fabulous meals in local upmarket restaurants, get a chef to come to your house and prepare a lovely feast, have a pampering session in a beauty salon, buy yourself a dress that you wouldn't normally get etc...ie do things that feel good and are a kind of holiday from the usual day to day. A local break from the usual four walls can be a boost too.

Personally I wouldn't push myself to do something that was too uncomfortable... but I would definitely go a little bit beyond my fear and see how that felt. The sense of wellbeing from doing this can be great. You may be more capable than you think.
I can identify with not wanting an uncomfortable bed etc but the benefits of the stimulation of something new and different might outweigh that.
Only you can know what you can manage. Good luck with it.

Go with your gut instinct. It's never let me down.but also listen to all good advice on here too regarding asking the consultant and doctors. Etc. Etc.

Someone else suggested Warner on here, I would think they are very good if you have a short break in UK. Have been with them 4 times now and they were excellent.

don't go

I went on a short coach holiday in the UK before going abroad after health issues. It really boosted my confidence. It’s worth a try

If, as others have suggested, you have a trial run, and it goes badly, it's going to put you off holidays for ever.
I too have a back injury, coupled with long covid and I use a walking aid. I went to Corsica last year, and a couple of UK holidays. Just booked to go to Switzerland and currently on holiday in Cumbria.
If you want to go you'll make it work. It all depends on how much you want a holiday.
I'd be gutted if I thought I could never travel again but maybe it's not as important to you as you revisit the same place whereas I rarely go to the same place twice.

*
When the climates are about to irretrievably break down pleasure flights are immoral and nobody should have holidays that involve flying.*
This. Mass extinction is imminent. What is WRONG with people? And you have grandchildren too!
Well said Caleo

If you are worried then a trial run sounds a good idea. I also have severe back problems but still intend to go on holiday this summer although short haul rather than my usual long haul. Covid put me off travelling until now but I've decided that I've lost enough time worrying and am just going to get on with it. If this trip is manageable then I'll be booking long haul later this year. I'll just make sure I have plenty of patches and painkillers with me!!

Warners Classic hotels are good. As someone else said they have adapted rooms, plenty of handrails, plenty of areas to sit around in and activities of various sorts during the day and evening - swimming pools, quizzes, spas , table tennis, bowls etc. We have been to a few - for short breaks. I understand completely how you must feel as I have mobility issues and always have to think ahead and do research to reassure myself that I can manage. As you know the hotel well - you may well be able to work out how you can make it work. People are pretty helpful in airports etc Good luck 💐

I like you Fflaurie have had back surgery in the last 3 years and lived with a severe scoliosis for at least 30 years which gives tremendous back, hip and leg pains. Since Covid when we did not move about as much as usual I have deteriorated really badly. I now walk with sticks/poles as I find them better but manage around the house with the furniture., I take strong pain killer several times a day. I lead a reasonably active life but constantly need to sit down to rest. However, the thought of sleeping in another bed and suffering as a result throughout the holiday is a no no for me now. We do days out instead and enjoy what we can. I would love to go away but realise it is not in my best interest now. Too much worry and anxiety both beforehand and during the break makes it not worth it.

I’ve arthritis so I understand your concerns but my advice would be do you have your disability or does your disability have you. If covid has taught us anything it should be that life is too short to worry about things and just go live your life. Speak to your specialist and ask them if they think you should be ok to go. Mine told me to stop over thinking about it.

I also meant to say, that I rely on my husband for support, especially at airports.
He never complains, but I feel guilty lutting this extra burden on him.

I agree with those who advise a short 'trial' trip away in the UK first.
If you do go for the holiday abroad then do get proper travel insurance and go for the best plane seat that you can afford.
I can say that I have just been on a long haul trip, two countries plus a cruise and I managed much better than I had feared that I might. I am not as disabled as you, needing just a stick to walk ( need 2nd hip replacement) but I had similar concerns all of which were resolved.

I sympathise completely, Fflaurie. During lockdown 9 went for a walk, fell on some uneven ground and broke my hip. I had to have a serious operation and the had to return to hospital for another four operations as the hip dislocated. This has left me unable to climb stairs and walk any distance. My DH ,I know is desperate to go away somewhere, I am very afraid of airports ,delays and flying. I would take the very sound advice and take it slowly. Book a hotel in the UK. Ask if they have a lift, a walk in shower and extra facilities for those who find walking difficult. Good luck ,keep doing the muscle strengthening exercises and take everything easy.

I don’t think I would go if you’re so worried about the trip, half the fun of a holiday is looking forward to it! And as Marydoll says, if you’re honest on your health travel insurance details, it will huge. A trial to a hotel in the UK is a good idea to see how you feel.

It's one of the worst things about being disabled.
How long are you going for? And if it turns out to be a worst case scenario, what could you do to minimise the effects. A two night stay in an uncomfortable bed is very different to a fortnight.

Fflaurie I think when you book the hotel explain your anxieties to see if they can accommodate you. Maybe a staycation trip is best to start with, at least you can come home easily. Good luck.

Definitely try a few weekends nearer home first. I have a bad hip that stiffens up when walking. For the first time I asked for Airport assist and it was a godsend at Heathrow. I was expecting one of those cars where one sits facing backwards but no, it was a wheelchair “train” and hilarious. I would definitely do it again. It was amazing how my hip improved once I went to a warm climate! I wish you the best of luck in your decision

Thank you all, you are amazing and such a wonderful support, although I have never met you, I felt as if I were in a room with friends. Thank you so much for your honest advice.

Sorry no idea where the CD came from !

Great advice on here today, I’d definitely try a weekend or overnight stay here in the UK first - I think mentally it’s scary but if all works out well could be brilliant for you - good CD luck

crazyH

Travel broadens the mind and introduces us to cultures and sights, we could otherwise only wonder about.

This 👍

I have been thinking about seeking airport assistance. Do you not need fit to fly documentation to access this and plan it in advance?

I've arranged this many times for my mother-in-law.
You need to arrange it in advance through your airline.

On arrival at the airport you go to the assistance desk and they will help you through check-in, security and settle you in a café or waiting area.
When it's time to board they will collect you and take you to the gate.
They have wheelchairs you can borrow if you need to, some airports are very big and you can be walking a long way otherwise.

Mother-in-law took her own wheelchair and went up in the ambulift onto the plane, or sometimes there's a walkway straight into the plane. Her wheelchair travelled in the hold.
Assistance passengers are boarded first and settled into their seats before everyone else gets on.

On landing you wait until the other passengers disembark then the assistance team come onboard, take you off the plane and through passport control to the luggage hall.
From there they'll take you to your taxi or transfer outside.

We've never needed any documentation from her GP.

Fflaurie you could phone your airline's assistance department and discuss your concerns and requirements with them.
As you would be travelling with your husband you can have as much or as little assistance as you need.
In our many experiences they are very happy to help.