Re: Help me decide

Thanks for the replies. To clarify some--

I have a facet joint that has dissolved pretty much into little pieces and because of that it developed a cyst that closes off the thecal sac from 28 mm to 9 mm or 2/3 of a "smash". I have such severe pain down my legs into my feet that I can barely transition from sitting to standing, standing to sitting. Bedtime is awful and I dread it. Every spot my body touches the bed it burns (but that is another condition actually). I have really bad arthritis in my wrists, hands, feet and back as well.

Being near to a renown bone and joint hospital, I can get a very good surgeon. There is even a spine center there that does lots of sports stars back surgeries.

Problem is I hear so much about failed back after surgery and it just makes me quiver. I do not want MORE pain! My doctor has said I should consider surgery for a couple years now but I decline to go to a surgeon figuring they will suggest surgery no matter what--know what I mean?