@brennankb55 I know well your dilemma, as well as the back pain that just doesn't abate no matter what options you offer to it. I'm so sorry that you are having this experience. It is so difficult. Four years ago (when I was 74) I was in a similar position having been diagnosed with spinal stenois, spondelsesthesis, arthritis, and bone spurs. I had P.N. for about 20 years beforehand, as well - un- diagnosed until a required battery of preoperative tests. I had physical therapy, myokinetic treatments, and regular chiropractic care, and finally had no option but to consult with an orthopedic surgeon. The first one said he wouldn't touch my back and recommended a surgeon at my state's university teaching hospital. The second one, recommended by a trusted friend whose recent back surgery was successful (and whose recovery seemed crazy fast), said he would do the surgery, but only after I had a consultation with the same surgeon that the first doctor recommended. I did have that appointment at the university and was so impressed by the range of pre-operative tests they scheduled, as well as the efficiency and professionalism of the staff, that I chose to have the surgery there. Among the tests was an EMG and nerve conduction study which diagnosed the neuropathy. Long story short, I did have the surgery and I have not regretted it for a moment. Instant relief, great recouperation - until a couple of months later I tripped and fell, breaking my hip. That's the part that has given me mobility issues that I'll have for the rest of my life. Also, the neuropathy worsened - I think it had to be related to the 7-hour surgery (which turned out to be more complicated than anticipated), and I feel that the university hospital likely knew this could/would be related to spinal surgery and it was a way of protecting themselves against a lawsuit, etc. to know the condition was already present prior to their intervention. I don't blame them! I have no pain from anything except the neuropathy, and my pain management specialist nailed the right combination of medications: Tramadol and Pregabalin (Lyrica). I continue to go to my chiropractor for a monthly adjustment, have a myokinesthetic treatment every 3 weeks, and I take the same range of supplements that I have for years. I'm sure that this account seems like an impossibly long process, but it does give you time to think things through as you go. It took me years to come to the conclusion that I had no choice but surgery, but once the decision was made and I had confidence in the choice of surgeons, my mind , at long last, found peace. The most important piece was and is my faith that God answers our prayers and guides our decisions if we ask Him to. I can't speak to the experience of others, but that's how it is for me. You are wise to ask as many people as you can to share their experiences ~ these will also help guide how you come to the best solution for you.
~ Barb