Surgeons, the really great ones, don't need to drum up business they have so many patients seeking their care. When my first appointment was made with the neurosurgeon I went to for 20 years, it took a couple months to get on his calendar. He was highly recommended by my GP who said he totally takes care of you. He had his own staff of nurses and all medical care. After complaining since 1969 about my neck and back, he required a complete MRI the day of the appointment. He held the results up and said, " you have 5 to 10 years of damage."
Showed me all the areas needing attention and started with injections. In all these years I have never been helped by the shots, but for insurance reasons, you must get 3 shots before other means or testing can advance.
After completion, I was scheduled for surgery in 2001. A posterior approach was done first. Two years later pain started again, and anterior surgery was done removing all disks and replaced with cages and a titanium bar. Each procedure required a 3 month recovery period, so I was on temporary disability. Each time 7 disks were the target of the care; requiring 12 hours of surgery. I had all kinds of therapists come to the house until I could drive. It's not easy, but it's not impossible either. In your situation, you are at risk of more damage being done by a fall or some other form of accident. I know it is not an easy decision but your current situation sounds dangerous. I've had 7 joint replacements of different joints. I'm 79 years old now and still walking, although I'm slow and need a cane, in my condition that is fabulous. Good luck.