Michael, I think you did the right thing. Those medical "choices" are always difficult. As someone who completely understands those situations, if something is offered that is new to you, and all else has failed, go for it.
Your descriptions of the pain confirm that it was severely interfering with your quality of life--always the main issue.
I sincerely hope that you regain your former function, but now without pain. And if there's post-procedure physical therapy involved, do yourself a big favor and don't skip days here and there.
And your recovery will (seem to) go much more quickly if you continue taking the codeine---with cocktails.
