Tim, honestly, I would ask your ortho if this is a must-have surgery. I have had the same lumbar surgeries (3) and a cervical fusion (woke up paralyzed on right side-no reason given for cause, no accident occurrence). Although the surgeries worked, the amount of nerve damage was significant enough that I was not able to return to work. I hope he has done nerve testing on you. If not, I highly suggest you ask this to be done prior to surgery. If there is significant nerve damage, I would rconsider not haviing surgery. I live with chronic pain 24/7 and have progressed in pain management treatment to morphine 4 times a day. Had I not had surgery, I may have been able to use acupuncture, PT, or other devices to alleviate pain. Best of luck!View Thread