Spinal Stenosis - Herniated Disk operation and results

My father was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 2 years ago. It progressed rapidly from pain to worsening pain to the point where he could barely get out of bed and walk a few feet. They tried numerous medications (pain medication and muscle relaxers) and several courses of cortisone injections in spine, all of which were ineffective. He did not want surgery in the beginning, in fact he was adamant against it. Finally he agreed, as he was in danger of immobility and possibly paralysis. He had a lumbar laminectomy 11 months ago at the age of 80! He did great during surgery, healed well, and spent 3 weeks in a rehab. facility for intensive physical therapy. Today he is 81 and he is getting around as if he were 60 again! He has no pain at all, no weakness in his legs, and if it weren't for a bad knee (which he refuses to do anything about), he wouldn't even need a cane. If you are in good health overall, I think that you should seriously consider having the surgery if you are in pain or are having difficulty getting around. This surgery dramatically improved my Dad's quality of life. I am in the medical field myself, so I made sure that the surgeon specialized in spinal surgery and had done a LOT of these surgeries successfully. I think that's important, as is a 2nd opinion to see if the surgery is necessary. There are risks to any surgery, and I think that those questions are best answered by the surgeons who know your entire history. Good Luck, and let us know what you decide!