Peripheral neuropathy and sciatica: What helps with the pain?

Hi guys, bear with me...Started out with cramps in shins and feet,then came the numbness, tingling. Hip pain = bursitis, cortisone shot fixed that, but, I still had sciatica. Ortho sent me to a anesthesia doctor. First shot lasted 2 months. My ortho suggested surgery to fix a couple of nerve root. I smoke, he suggested a stimulator. My appointment to discuss treatment is in August. I'm dying over here with only tramadol to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.