I've been diagnosed with lumbar and cervical stenosis. The lumbar portion is causing the most difficulties. I was told that there is an issue with or between (can't remember) L4 and L5. I've undergone physical therapy, drug treatment, rehab, and three sets of epidural injections, to no avail. Surgery is my last resort. However, I'm a poor surgical risk because I am obese. Does that completely rule me out? I can't live in this kind of pain for much longer. "Electricity " shoots down my leg at odd intervals, my leg burns like fire most of the time, and sleep has become elusive. I'm unable to sleep for longer than an hour at a time, because I have to get up to stop the pain in the back of my hip. All of the options for treatment have been exhausted. Surgery is the final stop. Is there any way I can get this done? I had another surgery last year and the only problem was that I came out of the anesthesia too slowly. Does that preclude me from having the procedure? Thanks, grannymusiclover.