I have back issues also (DDD, Arthritis, 3 Herniated Discs, Foot drop due to a severed nerve from it being pinched between two discs) I have heard real horror stories from people that have had this done. They say that their pain is WAY worse and they wish they had never had it done. I was told I needed it and flat out refused. I would rather be in a wheelchair than have that surgery, and that's what they are threatening me with. I think sometimes surgeons just wanna cut, and they will tell you anything to get you to believe you need it.

I am having a spinal cord stimulator implant however. I have done the research and it has a 90% success rate. Because you get a trial period with it before you get the actual implant. You also get the chance to decrease your pain meds, which was a big factor for me. I am on a lot of medicine for pain and would like to get off it completely, but I know that will never happen because I will always have pain. And even with this I may still end up in a wheelchair because this only deals with the pain, not the underlying cause.

Hubby may have the "recovery" they are saying, because the things they are talking about are dealing with nerve inpingement(sp). Not pain. I am not saying he won't get releif, just please don't be dissapointed when he has the same if not worse pain from this. It is very common. As I said, I researched this option alot. I would like nothing better than to get some relief from this misery. But I am not willing to take that particular chance as I do not like the odds.

I am not trying to scare you or be a "naysayer". I just want you and hubby to be prepared in case the above happens. You should be ready with your PM doctor and let him/her know that you want to be able to get adequate pain relief. Keep an eye on hubby and watch for signs that he is hurting long after he should not be. Like depression, taking a long time to get out of the bed, chair, or preferring to stay home when you go out to the park or whatever. etc. or if he actually tells you lol. I know mine wouldn't MEN..LOL!

I wish you and him all the best and I will be praying for a speedy and pain free recovery. Please keep us informed of his progress. I would love to find out how this goes for him.