DarkKnight, sorry to hear that. I deal with similar issues as well. I injured my back at my job back in 2003, had my first lumbar laninectomy and missed 1 1/2 yrs of work. I recovered and returned to same heavy duty job and ended up having a 2nd laminectomy at same level, L4-5 in 2013. I only missed 6 months that time and again went back to same job. I ended up reinjuring my back in 2016 and this time they wanted to do a 2 level fusion, but insurance denied. I’m now stuck at a level where pain is tolerable with little activity, but a trip to Walmart or Kroger and I’m done for. I was awarded total disability in September of this year. I didn’t post all this to scare ya lol, but the key is making sure you have a really good surgeon and not someone looking to cut just to cut. I woke up after my 2nd surgery pain free and stayed that way until reinjury. The key also after surgery and recovery is to make sure you protect your back. I noticed the least bit of jarring would send instant pain through out my body.