I Have Server Lower Back Pain. I Had A ENG

I have server lower back pain. I had a ENG done in Memphis. At the VA hospital. The Dr. Told me I have a bad lower back and reconmened a MRI. I am having one done at the Tampa VA on April e dr. Told me my back is bad and will continue to get worse. So I am now concidering back surgery. I haven't talked to the surge to yet. I have heard so many horror stories, I'm pretty scared. I am 63. So I guess surgery would be better now than later. Thanks for any advice u can give me.