Hey Jeff,
It sounds like you're moving through it! Just be careful about the arm weakness. Not only every surgeon I consulted but the neuroskeletal specialist who does epidural steroids and even a sports chiropractor I worked with were all very concerned about weakness as indicating neuropathy that may not reverse - especially in the case of the arms. In fact, all of them recommended against waiting if weakness persisted, even if it wasn't yet severe, since patients can sometimes end up being left with that same severe weakness even after surgery.
I also had positive relief from steroids, but it didn't last - and again even the doc that focuses on epidurals in his business recommended moving on, especially in view of arm weakness.
One last suggestion is to really thoroughly evaluate any proposed minimally-invasive approaches with other docs. I had the same 'keep it as long as you can' outlook - and so they always sound preferable, but if they leave a problem only partially corrected, the surrounding situation can be made worse for subsequent treatment. Again almost all of the docs I talked to, including academics as well as docs that practiced a number of different approaches, advised against any interventions in the neck that wouldn't almost certainly solve the problem because it can affect adjacent structures and there are complications from going back in. The docs that I and others regarded most highly in the field were even more opinionated on this point from having dealt with the complex situations created by prior treatments that were inappropriate or insufficient. So I was right with you in your thinking, but not only might you not get 10 years or even a few years in the meantime but half-way procedures can make the situation worse.
Talking to more docs helped me - as did pressing the competing suggestions with other docs. Again it takes time and perseverence but it's your future at stake.
Keep us posted and best of luck as you progress!
Best,
Tyler
ps - I think the diving concern should technically not be an issue. I posted a comment on that thread hoping the other writer will remember who had technical details because I can't remember them - but if I find them again I'll pass them on.
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2010 Cycling accident tripped up an old motorcycle injury
C5-6 and C6-7 disc degeneration, foraminal compromise with indentation of nerve roots causing arm pain and weakness
Aug-27-2010: 2-level ADR (C5-6 & C6-7) with Spinal Kinetics's M6-C by Nick Boeree, Nuffield Wessex Hosp., Eastleigh, UK
Completely off of pain meds since a few days post-op and symptom-free; have returned to cycling, climbing and all other activities (but staying off the motorcycle)
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