Lumbar Decompression

Don't know if this is the right forum and apologies if not. I have over the past year been diagnosed with a bulging disc and told to take strong painkillers, which I have been taking regularly which hasn't taken the pain away completely. Yesterday I had an appointment at Guys Hospital in London where I saw an orthopaedic surgeon. On the computer screen e brought up the results of the MRI I had last July and explained that what I had was a Lumbar Decompression. He is now recommending spinal surgery. This to me is terrifying and to be honest I don't know what to do. I am going to speak to my GP as well as the doctor at the Pain Clinic where I have an appointment already booked for next week. Has anyone else had this procedure, did it help with the pain, was your mobility helped or worsened by this procedure. I have posted this somewhere else on the forums as well in the hope that someone can help. Still on the painkillers, including the Amitriptyline which I have upped to 20 mg each night. Not sure it's making a lot of difference to the pain to be honest but up to yesterday my mood was a lot better. Since yesterday though, because I am scared of what the surgery entails, I have been very weepy indeed. Thanks for listening.