Charles, thanks for your candor, it's the first time I read this with your perspective. One way of looking at my situation is that I was able to remove the disease process early enough so that it did not spread to adjacent tissue & other levels. I've been saying this for years, but I hope we see smart execs birth new diagnostic companies that identify DDD much earlier in the process!
I'll leave you with a few movie taglines that express my hope & admiration for these companies that can & will help spine patients assess their conditions more clearly:
"Show me the money!"
"If you build it, they will come."
What's the third one? I can't have just two!?
Sandra, I am writing a long post that relates to your situation (and many others) and will post it later this week. I hope you are doing OK, considering your post.