@elizaolson Patient reviews should be taken with a grain if salt. Some patients were late to the appointment and were not seen and upset that they had to reschedule. Some people have unreasonable expectations and other conditions that affect the outcome of the procedure. Some don't comply with their doctor's recommendations. You can also call the insurance company and ask because they see the notes on the success of the procedure for a specific doctor, so they know who the good surgeons are. Sometimes you can get a a good recommendation from another doctor that you know and your primary care provider.

Good for you for never smoking! Same here, and it makes a big difference in health and choices later down the road. Have you tried working with a physical therapist? that may give you better functional capacity in your daily living.