I hate to hear this. My kids are older than you. Good grief, you are just two years older than my oldest grandchild and facing this. I agree with the advice you have been given but wish to take it a bit farther. You need to be dealing with a spinal secialist who is associated with a major teaching hospital that has the capacity to deal with whatever comes up. Get at least a second opinion. How many times has this doctor performed this procedure? What is his/her success rate? If you get the run around on these questions run/walk/hobble/crawl out of there. Does this doctor want you to go to a rehab. inpatient hospital post op or does he think you don't need it since you are so young. BTW, that is a bunch of bull. Best wishes, Sweetie.