Above all else, you need the best surgical team possible, if you decide to have surgery. I looked online for months, especially at the patient reviews. My situation is similar to yours. I have suffered for 30+ years in pain after exhausting all nonsurgical options. I did choose an excellent neurosurgeon at Mayo Rochester. I ended up having 2 surgeries four days apart and have no regrets. My neurosurgeon confirmed that my spinal problems would continue to get worse and I could end up in a wheelchair in years to come without surgery. I am four months post surgeries and doing well. A full recovery can take 1-2 years. You may want to check with your insurance company. Many of them require that you do nonsurgical options before they approve your surgery. Best wishes you you