Hello to all who are having upcoming spine surgery at Mayo and looking for positive stories. I suffered with severe spinal stenosis at multiple levels and I also so had extremely painful neurogenic claudication. I requested a specific surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and was fortunate to be accepted by Dr. Paul Huddlesto With so many levels effected he did not recommend rods but rather just a lumbar laminectomy. My surgery was successful! As soon as I got to my room my leg pain was totally gone and my back pain so much better! We are all different in how our bodies recover, but I was able to go home the next morning. I did have a friend I hired to stay with me for 3 weeks to care for me. Couldn't have done it alone. Because you do need help. For me the pain wasn't ever that bad during recovery, but the restrictions on movements are many. I was able to shower by myself sitting on a seat and my friend outside the shower just in case I needed her. My surgeon had me up and walking every hours through my home using a 2 wheeled walker and standing straight. My family and friend were there to make sure I did it like clock work. The friend left after 3 weeks but I still needed to use 2 wheeled walker and different size grabbers for some time. You get used to it, and start to think of all you are accomplishing that you couldn't before. As for pain, my knee replacement was much more painful. Spine surgery was scarier and movement limiting for some time after but well worth it! I did use youtube to practice getting in and out of bed before surgery, and did light weights to build my strength up before surgery also. Good luck. And don't compare yourself to anyone else. It's your journey.