@tct
Yes. I had/have severe central canal stenosis (have a congenitally narrow spinal canal to begin with), degenerative disc disease, cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression injury), neurogenic claudication and small fiber neuropathy. I have had ACDF surgery on C5-C6 (2022) and C6-C7 (2025) and decompression/fusion on L3-L5 (2024).

Before my lumbar surgery, I had significant pain, numbness and weakness from low back, hips, buttocks, thighs down to my feet, especially if I stood or walked more than 5-10 minutes. This improved/reduced significantly after surgery. I need to maneuver a little differently with the fusion and get stiff in my hips if I sit too much but have no regrets about getting the surgery.

Due to my narrow spinal canal from birth, I will most likely need more surgeries throughout my lifetime. My pain started in my early 40s (soon after having my one and only child at 40) and I am not in my mid-50s.

It is critically important to research orthopedic spine specialists/surgeons with excellent reviews and ratings. Meet with a couple and only work with one that is respectful, a good communicator, and highly qualified/experienced doing the procedure needed.