I have a similar situation. I'm 77 now. Since COVID, I was unable to walk, sit and stand for any length of time. It was frustrating because I used to hike miles. I tried everything non surgical, epidural, nerve block, acupuncture, chiropractor, and spent thousands on physical therapy. Finally I had surgery, fusion L3and L4 , the surgeon put a spacer in, whatever it means. He came highly recommended. Supposed to be very conservative. It's been a few months now, I'm still having the same problems. Everyone around me said I am doing great so I guess I'm just impatient??? My PCP ordered an ultrasound for my legs for claudication. I'm on gaberpantin 300mg 3 times a day. I cannot tolerate any opiods, my surgeon recommended alpha lipoic acid, B12 and magnesium. He did say I can try epidural. He also said if I had neuropathy before, surgery can sometimes makes it worse. I would like to hear from anyone with the same issue. Any advice would be much appreciated. I'd like to think I have some good years left to spend with my grandchild, and visit my daughter who has retired to another state. I went on a plane in June for a wedding in Canada, three hours sitting was very difficult.