[JEVE19]

DDD means degenerative disc disease which many of us have been diagnosed with.
Maybe consider a consult with an overseas doctor.
Many members have done this.
It does cost some money. Not sure what the current rate is but I spent $400 last year. Was the best money I ever spent.
I had my L5-S1 replaced with an M6 in England.
I think you need to consider that there are many discs out there. The US doctors can only recommend what is FDA approved in the US. Doesn't make it the best disc though.
Overseas docs have more experience with different discs and can explain why they choose the disc they use. A consult with one or two of them would give you the knowledge you are hunting for and help with your decision.
Read through the surgical outcome section and see how people are doing with the brand of disc they have.
You are doing the right thing by reading and educating yourself.
Hang in there. It feels hopeless sometimes but it can get better.
If you have lumbar issues, then look through the surgical outcome section for other lumbar patients.
Good luck to you.