Just to put a cap on this thread, the peer review rejection was almost instant, and then the third appeal was protracted. My surgeon's office tried to push for an expedited appeal, and that request was denied. After weeks of fighting, they didn't want me to wait any longer because I have progressive spinal cord symptoms. I go in for an ACDF tomorrow morning instead, and I am so, so upset.
I wish I had a happier ending to my story.