'horrifying' is a tough word. Sounds like you should get ADR and take your chances. Fuse later if you damage the device and your supporting structures. Not something I would ever do, but any aspect of life that is 'horrifying' I guess needs to be addressed. Of course with fusion, you might still have limitations, if not immediately, then potentially over time. A lot depends on how strong your muscles are now, and after surgery, to determine the loads put on your ADR and your structures. Have you emailed Spinal Kinetics with your question?

I had one cervical Adr 5 weeks ago with adr Clavel. Until 4th week experienced some pain when doing to much (was walking 5 miles 3 days post op) and almost no painkillers since day 3. I improving everyday, already cycling 1:30 hours a day indoors. Obs: my adr is between cervical and a thoracic fusion. So far it seems to be working but yes, when I move to much there are some crack noise the most likely comes from the facet but so far no pain associated with it and nothing that worries me. Life is taking educating guesses, and hoping for the best. So far so good, but obviously I had some nights I worried. But I'm my case I am happy with cycling (pretty hard workload) and swimming. From my perspective I Will not risk my entire back full of fusions and DDD and artificial disc with heavy weights. Good luck for all off us!

May be too little to late
 

Dave,
Sorry I am just now seeing this post. Pardon me for being direct, but weight lifting is secondary to mobility.
I had a 2 level M6 below a 3 level fusion and that was in May of 2015. I am doing well.
I hope this aliviates your concern.
Check back in and let us know how you're doing.

PS
 

Dr. Blumenthal in Texas is not going to do a hybrid neck surgery. Even if he was willing, he doesn't have the experience level that Dr. Clavel has with this particular procedure.

Dr Clavel has many failures
 

Dr Clavel screwed up several of his patients !
Here it is if you want to know more about it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLFNdPwVC9Q&t=24s

https://www.artificialdiscreplacementadr.com

I am one of his patient who had a failure and Dr Clavel lied all the way to cover his reputation !