Hi Mike,
Welcome and I too am sorry you have found yourself here but, you are in good company and there are some great people here who I think can give you some good advice. I don't think I qualify since I'm more cervical and from what I've read the L5/S1 area of the spine is unique because it takes the greatest force. The biggest question always is should you put an ADR down at that level or not? There are members here that have fused and members who have gone with the ADR.
I'm not sure if you know that the Activ L was just FDA approved a few weeks ago in the U.S. It's a disc I would talk to TBI about. I think there are some benefits to using it over the Prodisc.
You might want to reach out to Dr. Clavel in Spain and get his opinion as well as Dr. Zeegers in the Netherlands too. (TBI is one of the best we have in the U.S. so, I'm not suggesting they are inferior.) At least take a look at their websites. I suggest this since you are looking at paying cash anyway. You can read about their successes in the Post Surgery Forum here.
Wishing you wellness,
Cynlite
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2006: epidural shots did nothing; 2 surgeons recommended 2 level fusion, I declined.
2007 - 2010 4 foraminotomy and cord decompression cervical surgeries and 2 endoscopic discectomy T7-T8 surgeries; total 6 with Dr. Jho (Pittsburgh,PA) My C6/C7 autofused around 2009.
2013 - 2015: epidurals 3 times (again did nothing) and 4 Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) procedures.
2016 more RFAs, hit the 10 year mark of this insanity and pain, 3 level M6-C ADR with Dr. Clavel May 19, 2016 
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