Hi Jim and welcome to Healing Well's chronic pain forum. I am sorry you have to be here but very glad that you found us. At least by coming here you know that you are not alone in the crazy world of pain. We really have a great group of people here that all have a different story to tell. We try to help each other out, whether it is passing on some ideas or just listening. That can go a very long way.
As with any surgery there is no quarantee. If a dr ever tells you there is one, then run just as fast and hard as you can out of that office and never return. Surgery is something you just never know about and the best thing a person can do is get at least a second opinion and sometimes even a third opinion is good too. Have you thought about consulting with a neurosurgeon? I would prefer a neurosurgeon over an ortho because he is more schooled in the area of nerve problems, that is his specialty. Orthopedics are more schooled in bones. Scope out the very best surgeon there is in your area and do your homework on him. Educate yourself on the web by going to reputable sites and reading up on the surgery. Do not make a decision about any surgery until you are comfortable with the idea. Don't let any dr try to rush you into making any decisions.
The people on this forum that have had surgery cannot give you a good report that they did great after surgery. Had they done well, they would not be hanging out on this forum. For different reasons most did not do well after surgery for various reasons.
If you opt to have surgery just follow the drs directions to the letter. Make a list of questions to ask about the recovery time. Ask what you can or cannot do after getting home from the hospital. So many people are sent home with little instructions on their activity level and end up in trouble.
Take care and keep us posted on how you are coming along.