I had surgery with Dr. Avery in SF. He quoted an 85% chance at some improvement. I'm much worse 6 years after surgery.

I would urge you to be very sure before you proceed with surgery. The article Jo-Mar provided a link for says the success rate is more like 36% after 5 years (I think). Many people have some improvement for a short time and then become worse as a result of scar tissue or other less well understood reasons.

It is definitely a bummer to have your life get smaller with less functionality. I completely understand that feeling; I never was able to return to any kind of work. Unfortunately, for many people, surgery is no silver bullet.

I agree with the recommendation to get several opinions if you haven't done so already.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Kelly