I had the stimulater installed and tried all levels, but non of them seemed to work for my chronic back pain. you've already had back surgery's and I heard that they can go on and on. I choose a different route and my quality of life has improved so much, I can say my pain level is a 3 after I've been working around the house all day. I'd say that is an improvement, since my pain level was 20! out of 1 to 10. I had an intrathecal pain pump installed. It is under my skin and the leads deliver morphene directly to my spine. I no longer have any opied mood changes. Surgery is not your only option. Wish you luck.