Welcome to the club!!
How old are you?
Is your your doc talking about you having a fusion?
Or is he/she recommending a laminectomy? The latter, I have no experience with, although my doc is now recommending it for my neck to quiet down a nerve.
If a fusion, just know it is permanent and will likely serve you well, although it has a tendency to “stair step. I had L5/S1 fusion in 2007 by an excellent neurosurgeon. Approx 2 years following the surgery, I had a neurostimulator installed…it helped for a few years but now I no longer charge it.
Be aware also that radial neuropathy can set in after back surgery. The outside of my left foot is numb all the time…
I am now seeing pain management at Mayo. I have lost the strength in my back…only relief is to sit. If I walk, I need a cane for balance and I walk bent over like an old geezer….I’m only 79!!!
They are recommending PT and a Nerve Ablation, and we have started with the first of two nerve block tests.
Good luck to you and once again welcome to the geezer club!