I can attest to the back surgery conundrum. I had lumbar fusion surgery (3, 4, 5 and S1) about three years ago, and
arthritis plus scar tissue has created severe chronic pain and further degeneration. There is no plus
in my case, and seniors who abuse narcotics like hydrocodone have made it extremely difficult, if not
Impossible, to get effective painkillers prescribed by over-conscientious scaredy-cat physicians.
They should be scared. Most mornings when I wake up, the tenor of my day is, I hate my life.

N.