I had a similar thing done on my L4-6 several years ago and I'll pass along the best advice given to me. Get your hands on a Breg Polar Care Cold Therapy unit - often if your doc will approve it ahead of time, your insurance will pay for it. Otherwise, I got mine used on ebay for about 1/3 the regular price. This leaves ice packs in the dust......
As for pain, I'm sorry I can't remember exact medications, but I do remember a medication patch being very helpful but very addictive and difficult to "come down off of". But choosing to go ahead with my surgery was one of my best life decisions!
Good luck!
Probably a very strong one at first such as Percocet or Vicodin HP ( the strongest one)