I'm so sorry that you are suffering with spinal problems at such a young age. I sure can empathize too, as I have had the same problems, but am a lot older than you.

It sounds like you have tried quite a few various treatments before being formally diagnosed, and that complicates answering your question.

The usual course of treatment, once formally diagnosed, is to try all conservative measures before undergoing any surgical treatment for any spine condition.

And, I rule of thumb before agreeing to undergo any type of spinal surgery is to get, at minimum, a second opinion from another spine surgeon first.

Many times, with conservative treatments, they will be enough to not need spine surgery.

So, let me ask you some questions to see if any of us, including myself, can give you some suggestions.

Are you seeing a spine specialist, one that specializes in spines only? Is this an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in spines only or a neurosurgeon that specializes in spines only?

How long ago where you diagnosed with the large protrusion in you lumbar disc and what level is it?

How long ago was your MRI done?

How long have you been going to physical therapy since you where diagnosed?

Are you following through with doing the exercises at home between physical therapy sessions?

Have you discussed with your physical therapist that you feel better after a physical therapy session but it doesn't last long? What does the physical therapist say?

Why does your spine specialist say that you should try epidural injections but has approved lumbar decompression surgery?

What type of lumbar decompression surgery is your doctor planning to do? What are the details?

Do you have a copy of the reading of the MRI report? If so, can you post what it says on this thread?

I understand your fear about insurance and only having it for one more year. It's a scary world out there without any insurance coverage and have medical problems to deal with.
On the other hand, you don't want to jump into any kind of spinal surgery, if you could potentially heal your spine problem with conservative treatments.

I can tell you that even if the surgery sounds like it is minor surgery on your spine, any surgery, spinal or otherwise, is surgery and has potential risks vs benefits and recovery from any kind of spinal surgery is not just a real super quick recovery.

Please give us the answers to the above questions and then we can give you "our opinions", but please remember they are nothing more than "our opinions". We are not doctors, just other members that have spine problems.

Fran