Hello UKcoryman,
WELCOME to this forum!!!! I think you will be very pleased with the support you will receive here. It is a great forum to share experiences, thoughts, advice and yes chat with other spineys.
Sorry to read about your back pain and about the 4 surgeries that you have had.
"i know pain gets you down but you have to try and rise above it and enjoy life the best you can" Thank you for "picking us up". Excellent thought/wisdom.
May I ask if you have ever read about the spinal doctor, Mr. Martin Knight? I am most impressed with his standing amoung his peers, his publications and presentations. Unfortunately he is on the wrong side of the pond for me. lol
Take care.
RichT