Yes to all the comments that urge you to get second, third and however many opinions you need. I’m 75 and had multi- level laminectomies and a L4-L5 fusion 10 months ago. I have recovered well and even returned to playing golf 2x/week. Finding a neuro or Ortho spine specialist you trust is key to recover. I got three opinions before deciding on a neurosurgeon who was genuinely caring and listened to me. Not all neurosurgeons are callous and cold or want to right to major spine surgery. There are many minimally invasive procedures today that can help. Unfortunately for me they were not appropriate. I wish you luck in finding a doctor who is honest and caring.