Hey Tman, thx for the introduction. I've been traveling for a few weeks, sorry for the delay. Perhaps others will chime in offer questions & comments.
In the meantime, all of the docs you mentioned are docs that patients have visited for consults or surgeries, so pls do use the
search function to find these topics...which works well.
And to touch on one of your points:
"...
Another very important question I had for the surgeons was what is the risk of doing nothing - How will that effect my chances to have an ADR at a later date? "
It really depends on the etiology of your undiagnosed disease. What is the rate of your DDD in accordance to your:
- imaging studies, as read by the radiologist between your imaging studies (XRay, MRI, Discogram);
- progression of symptoms (pain);
- degradation of quality of life;
- immunological health;
- mechanical stresses and joint chemistry, that could lead to autofusion;
- attitude regarding "just-fix-me-itis."
Perhaps we can talk next week. I really hope we can help.
Many others here are in your shoes too, so feel free to communicate with them by email, PM or phone. Use all your resources here to support your difficult decisions.