Degenerative Disc Disease

Wow, some of the stories you guys have kinda make me want to just deal with the pain, lol. Might be less painful in the longrun, lol.

Maybe some sort of traction device for my neck might be more feasible?

There are 2 people at church that have had the fusions done all in the last 6 months.
1. the pastor's wife says to get it done, that it was the best thing for her.
2. one of the associates had a bad experience, not with the fusion itself, but when one of the nurses removed his breathing tube they carelessly yanked it out and knocked all of his front teeth loose!! When he woke up, he had more pain in his mouth and when felt with his tongue, 4 or 5 teeth were pointed nearly straight out!! The hospital made good on it and is paying for all dental procedures and for the braces he needs now. He's pushing 50yrs old too.

They both had the same surgeon and all 3 of us share the same family practitioner. I hear the surgeon is one of the best in the state. Hmmm decisions, decisions.