Thanks, Big Mo. I suspect they'll do just fine without me.
ziik: Since you offered specific advice, I'll tell you that Dr. Hope plans to do a "laminotomy" -- a form of micro-surgery far less invasive than an laminectomy. He said denervation is generally called for when other forms of surgery are likely not to help relieve the pain. And you nailed it as to location ... between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra, where the disc ruptured and a shard broke off and is pinching the nerve. Should be back on my feet in a week or less, and fully recovered in si weeks. Thanks again for the advice, though; I'm filing it away, just in case.