Welcome @karleenhubley, I have numbness in the feet and legs but don't have any pain with my small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I also have had lower back issues since my mid 50s along with degenerative disk disease. I haven't even thought about back surgery but I'm guessing part of my numbness may be attributed to spinal compression on the nerves.

@jenniferhunter may have some thoughts or experience she can share with you on L5 and L5 surgery fixing nerve compression and relieving your symptoms.

When is your surgery?