Time to update. I finally got my spine surgery. I had a laminectomy on L3-L4, a couple of cysts dissected, and some stenosis removed. 3 day hospital stay. Week 1 was rough, had to use a walker. Week 2 walking pretty good. Week 3 walking and riding a stationary bike. I'm at week 6 now and feel great. No pain or stiffness. So, obviously I'm pretty happy about this. Moral to this story is, if you're not getting relief or don't agree with your doctor, keep looking for an answer. It took me 3 years and 3 different surgeons to find mine