Welcome!
The good news is that you only have one level, so just about any insurance company will pay for an ADR. I would remain as much mobility as I could. Personally speaking, I would never fuse anything unless I had NO other choice because it puts too much strain on the adjacent levels. I know other people on here feel differently, but that's my take on it. ESPECIALLY if DDD runs in your family. The likelihood of another level blowing with a fusion is just too great.
Where in the country are you?
Also, given that you lift a lot, I would find a surgeon who can put in the Bryan, rather than the ProDisc, as that has no up-down cushioning.
This is a great group of people and you will find much needed support here!
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Multiple traumas to spine starting age 13.
1st American to have 6 ADR's in one surgery. C3-4 - C/7, & L5-S1 - L3-4.
Surgery w/ Dr. Clavel, 3/18/13, M6.
Before surgery: severe spinal stenosis C5/C6 (cord "flattened" per stateside doc), + for Hoffman's & Babinsky's.
At time of surgery: 5 yrs MAX before ending up in wheelchair.
Clavel found L5-S1 partially fused. Had to cut it apart to put in M6.
Please excuse brevity - SEVERE carpel tunnel.
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