When I was 56 yrs old, I had TLIF on L4/L5 in 2014 after lifting a heavy shovel of snow and herniating the disc. An MRI showed that I also had a cyst on my spine and a slipped disc at L4/L5. I assumed I would be offered a cortisone shot but was told by 2 different surgeons at UW Health that I had a “3 strikes and you’re out” situation and cortisone shots would be ineffective. They told me my symptoms would get progressively worse and recommended surgery within 9 months to prevent irreversible damage. I spent those 9 months doing intensive PT, first in an attempt to avoid surgery and as symptoms progressed, PT helped prepare me for the surgery. Surgery provided INSTANT relief and I was soon able to walk more than a mile. I continued walking and water walking for 6 months until fusion was complete. I started spinal stabilization classes and still exercise 4 times per week to maintain core strength and spinal stability. I have no complaints and am able to do everything except I self-limit lifting to 40lbs and avoid severe twisting to protect the discs above and below the fusion. My advice-find the best surgeon, prepare your core for surgery by doing PT exercises, follow your surgeon’s instructions during recovery, build and retain core strength after recovery to protect your back. I hope some of my experience is helpful and reassuring. Good luck to you on this journey.