[JJames]

Thank you for posting a reply, Bill.
After my last visit with Dr. Yue, I think I'm through with him. He barely wanted to even discuss the hybrid surgery. A surgery which was only brought up by my wife and I. He wanted to do the bi-level ADR years ago when I saw him, and since I was denied by my med. insurance that was all. He did order the MRI on my cervical spine due to my new additional pain in my neck and right shoulder which radiates down my right arm. Although I haven't had the follow-up with him yet, it is apparent that I'm having more degenerative issues plus a "spur" and something called an osceophyte (sp?) in this area.

I give you and all the others on this site all the credit in the world for both your tenacity and courage. These are apparently something which I lack. I've now resolved myself to working more diligently on my coping skills, as I believe that coping with this life-long pain will be the best I can do. My next step is obvious - I am seeking out someone in the mental health field for assistance. I am also scheduled to see a rheumatoid doctor as that has been suggested to me by three of the other doctors I've seen.

I no longer view any surgical intervention as a logical choice, and I refuse to take such drastic measures simply because it sometimes appears to be the last or only choice.

Thank you and everyone else once again.

Jeff