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I have had my diagnosis for several years now, and I know it is extremely tempting to want to jump right into surgery, but after all these years I am extremely glad I did not jump into it. I have seen several people who are much worse off after surgery, getting new cysts, or developing arachnoiditis, and the recovery time alone can be two years. Learn as much as you can about it and look at all of the options, talk to people like me who have managed without surgery and limited pain medication. It is possible to live like this, don't lose hope.