TT, thanks for asking -- your signature is fine. Have you had the time and patience to sift & search through the topics? The basic and advanced search function work really well.
I believe the answers to all three of your questions (1a,b,c) are yes.
MSRudy raises some unfortunate points -- make sure your properly indicated for disc replacement -- there are plenty of things that can and do go wrong with ANY surgery. Please see
the first topic in Arthroplasty Central on risks and complications.