Donna--How frustrating for Alan, to have something he loves so much impeded by his back problems. I think the decision to have surgery (outside of some immediate necessity like cancer) just has to be a personal one for each person--weighing the benefits/risks and taking into account how much the quality of their life will be improved.

If surgery could allow Alan to play handball again, that might make a huge difference. It's a tough decision, and certainly, Trish's outcome is somewhat discouraging.

I'd tend to avoid ALL surgery that wasn't absolutely necessary to save/prolong my life, and just use more conservative means to manage other things. But that's me. I know people who have had back/hip/knee surgery whose quality of life has improved enormously b/c of the surgery, and that includes freedom from constant pain--NOT a small benefit!!