Good luck with your appointment. I had lumbar spinal stenosis surgery three years ago and it was very successful. Beforehand, it seemed like everyone had a terrible story they wanted to tell me, of themselves or someone they knew having awful results, but my surgery was a game changer. Post-surgery, following PT and faithful performance (to this day) of the PT home exercise program, my pain is drastically reduced and I’m able to walk, with special shoes for my lower leg neuropathy. My balance is off, but I’m careful- removed all throw rugs, had grab bars installed in the bathtub, and railings on any stairs, don’t walk on grass, etc.
My recommendation if you go ahead with surgery- insist on Home Care for Skilled Nursing- wound management of the incision and medication management (you’ll at least be on a pain med) and for PT- the PT will get you going on light exercise and walker to cane use, ready for outpatient in 2 weeks. In my case, the hospital PT was reluctant, told me I should just go to outpatient clinic, BUT once home, I wasn’t to ride in a car for 2 weeks, so I would have been vegetating at home, instead the Home Care PT got me up and going, instilled a lot of confidence too.

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