Hi ~ The doctor SHOULD have told you that PAIN is NEVER a reason to have surgery. Most often, surgery will NOT relieve your pain. Many times you'll have the same pain or worse after surgery. Surgery only corrects mechanical problems, but never pain. The people who get pain relief are just plain lucky -- it is NOT the norm.
If your doctor didn't tell you this, then SHAME ON HIM. To lead a patient on like this is bad medicine. They just want to get you in the operating room.

Perhaps he forgot??? I doubt it. This makes me so mad -- so many doctors don't tell their patients that their pain probably won't be relieved.
I'm sorry you didn't get any relief. My doc didn't tell me either, and I've had severe sciatica for 26 years. What a crock. Best of luck and let us know how your doctor's appt. comes out, will you? God bless. hugs, Lee