@aoidhne I cannot believe professionals spoke to you that way. If you think your back is "garbage," fine. But that's not professional for them to say that. I have referred to my spine as "a train wreck" but no one says anything about that. I would suggest you get a consult at Mayo or some other well-ranked hospital. I've used US News and World Report and looked under the particular illness to find a top doctor in that area and not too far from my location. So far, I have been very pleased with my method of finding good surgeons/specialists. Think positive. Dont swell on your experience with those very unprofessional medical people. And yes, the surgeon should have mentioned those things but they get busy so best to take a list with you and ask