I don't know exactly why you're having this surgery. What else have you tried? Have you seen a second doctor, I sure would. Back surgery is pretty serious business and I've been told that laminectomy provides a quick relief but can lead to collapse of the area they worked on. I get epidural injections for my sciatic nerve and so far they are helping. They told me I'm a candidate for surgery but I'm waiting until the injections stop helping. I'm waiting for more progress on the effectiveness of minimally invasive laser surgery. Recovery time is supposedly a day! Anyway, hang in there, and I encourage you not to do anything too rashly just because some Dr. wants to cut on you. KEEP US INFORMED!