Please before you commit to anything call A place that does minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Laser Spine institute in Scottsdale did my wife and it improved her life dramatically. Down time was one day. Problem is that Laser Spine cannot be reimbursed by medicare because they do it as an outpatient and medicare will only pay for inpatient Laser surgery. Out of pocket was about $17,000 for us.
There are places that do it as an inpatient but I know of non near you.
If you want to discuss our experiences with the surgery PM me.