My husband Is turning 80 this year and he is sharper and more "with it" than I am. (I am 72) I was politely trying to see if you were on medicare because they pay for the first vertiflex. This evening I have been on FaceBook Spinal Stenosis Support Groups. I am waiting to hear from some of them. Yes, I had it done mid-Feb. The reason I think this procedure is not done in the hospital is because it is considered a non-evasive surgery and usually done without being put out completely. Therefore it can be done in clinics. My surgeon did not want to do another surgery on me so recommended a pain doctor in my town. I live in New Mexico. The pain doctor and the surgeon had a consultation and thought it was a good choice for me. Gabapentin does not really help me much for pain but it does help to put me out at night. Nowadays it is really hard to get good pain relievers due to all the new regulations. Right now I think I might have gotten 50% relief. But I think this will not help you as much. I am not in as much pain as you......I was about 6 years ago but I have had 2 surgeries since then. My personal opinion is to go to a surgeon and get an MRI scheduled if you have not done that yet. Ice bags (the gel kind) really help. In my research tonight I found most people's surgeons do not recommend the vertiflex implant. I will keep you posted the more I find out and let you know of my improvements if any. I do want to thank you for your nursing career. I am impressed. Nurses are angels I am sure!