Yes,

I had the same thing done about 14yrs ago and it still is working, just
other
issues for me have rose in my back.

I was in the hospital for only 3 days and up walking the day after surgery.
My
pain was immedately relieved from the problem.  There was pain itself from
the surgery.  Mine was done posterior and cut through 7 layers of muscle
which
took me close to 5-6mons to recover from.  Limited activity, no back brace
and
no therapy.

I'd definately recommend it. Only IF you trust your doctor!

Best of luck

Janice, no help on experience, but prayers forthcoming.
Gwen

I had back surgery to relieve pain from lumbar spinal stenosis.  After
my MRI I was told that was the only option left.  I had the surgery
Thursday afternoon and walked out of the hospital Sunday morning.  For
the first time in a long while I could stand up straight and take a
deep breath.  There was very little pain and the healing was fast and
easy.  I hope if you decide to have the surgery that yours goes as
well as mine did.
--
BettyB  --  www.flamingo-code.com
"I have noticed even people who claim everything is
predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it,
look before they cross the road." - Stephen Hawking

Oh Janice,

I am sorry you got this news and have to go thru this. I will be thinking of
you. You take care. Prayers and good thoughts and healing vibes coming your
way.

((((((((((((((((janice))))))))))))))))))  i just want you to feel better,
whatever the answer is for you.

kate

Well I went to my orthopedic doc today to get the results of my MRI and I
sure wasnt happy with what he had to say.  He said my back,hip, and leg pain
was coming from spinal stenosis and the only thing to alleviate the pain
would be surgery.  Now this scares me to death.  I have always heard so many
negative things concerning back surgery. Is there anyone who has had this
surgery to open the spinal cord and take the pressure of those nerves? He
has referred me to a back specialist that comes highly recommended around
here. the soonest I can get in to see him is April 13.  He is booked up but
I have a sister who works in the hospital where he operates and she is going
to try to get me in sooner.  I want to meet and talk to him first before I
make a decision. I really feel I dont have much choice as I cannot live in
this excruciating pain as I have done the past 2 months.Let me know if any
of you have any news about this condition.  I have read a lot on line about
this but wanted some personal experience.
thanks
janice