The doctor got the MRI report and said that there is a herniated disk, a bone spur protruding into the sacral nerve, L4 and L5-S1 something or other that I didn't understand, etc. But he said the bulk of my pain is coming from the bone spur that is protruding into the nerve. If I don't chicken out first, the surgery is scheduled for the 27th. I've survived off Bayer aspirin and ice packs for many, many years because I won't take narcotic drugs. I work for a medical clinic and have seen way too much addiction.

Mike, thank you for your encouraging words. The doctor said that they will (ahem) Saw off the bone spur , and that I will have 3 screws on either side. It sounds like I'll be setting off metal detectors too huh?

I'll keep you posted.