Sml175, well I am only 74 and the last of my 3 disc operations is about 25 years behind me. I chose for partial removal of the discs and let them float as opposed to fusing. It worked out great with no back pain or limitations. I got the head of neural surgery at U of MD hospital to do the operations. L4, L5, & L4 again. I worked on some heavy equipment before the ruptures. I think lifting an app. 200# unit from the floor did in the last one. There are no limitations on my TH. Last weekend I was detecting a cache on a 45 degree slope for several hours. I have no trouble handling my XLT or my 2 Box. My motto is enjoy it while you still can. Frank
PS In the last episode of gold rush on TV. The bosses back pain got unbearable. He went to JHH and had an out patient procedure done that will stop all the pain for at least one year. I think they injected corotsone into the joint. Maybe this info will help someone. The show is a true happening.