Bulged disc L5/S1 constant pain not sure what to do

Hi All,

I have had back issues for years, I am 48 yo and have had MRI's, steroid injections, two spinal ablations... and nothing has worked. I have a bulged disc at L5\S1 and after my recent follow up with my spinal surgeon I am at a loss. I appreciate that he is not the type to jump right to surgery but after our last call he basically told me that I have degenerative disc disease and arthritis and there isn't much more he can do for me. Said I should try Yoga and more stretching :-( I get that I need to stretch and I do it as much as I can stand but it's painful. I have a friend who had a spinal fusion with a similar injury and her life is so much better than before. I am waiting for insurance to approve a new dr for a second opinion but wanted to see what others in this situation have done.

The thought of a back surgery terrifies me but if I am honest I cannot live like this. If how I feel today is the rest of my life I don't think I am going to make it.

Did you have a spinal fusion for a L5\S1 is your life better. How is your range of motion, can you still be active?