Hi John,
Its a difficult decision to make to go for surgery at all, and if you do decide you have to go for surgery I can understand you concern at having the correct operation.
I was just wondering what you have tried before considering surgery? Have you been told surgery is the only option?
How long have you been dealing with this pain? Has anyone tested you for muscle imbalances?
If I were you and only if you feel you have exhausted other treatments I would talk with them both again and ask a lot of questions before you committ to anything.
At one time I was considering surgery and talked with a neurosurgeon. I have herniated degenerative dessicated discs at L4/5 and L5/S1 and I used to have back pain and severe sciatica in both legs. He was very good and did a lot of tests and talked with me for a long time. By the time I got to see him I was already doing Lose the back pain system, water therapy and massage and making progress.
He said that he would always prefer that people try everything before going for surgery.(unless an emergency situation of course). He said they used to do a lot more surgery but now its only if trying other treatments has not worked or helped. I made such good progress with those treatments/exercises I have never needed surgery...
I just think you need more information from them, and to ensure that you have exhausted everything else. If you want the list of questions I asked of my surgeon just post back here and i will list them for you.
You may find these articles useful to you:-
http://www.losethebackpain.com/treatments/
http://www.losethebackpain.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease.html
http://www.losethebackpain.com/treatments/musclebalancetherapy.html
http://www.losethebackpain.com/treatments/backsurgery.html
http://www.losethebackpain.com/backpainvideos.html
Wishing you all the best
