I gone down the same road as you in the past 10 yrs, discectomy, 2X then after continued pain due to broken bone due to the laminectomy, I had fusion in 2007. It was a long recovery period, however artificial disk replacement is only for one level at this time.
I found great pain relief from the fusion. it stablized my back to the point that i have done 5 small triathlons since then. I am now recovering from a micro foraminotomy 2 weeks ago, and am confident that I will eventually return to a pain free life.
Once the back is compromised, we have to be super careful, core stabilization exercises and care with our actions. something i always seem to forget.
don't be to scared of replacement or fusion, they have come a long way in providing pain free life if there are genuine mechanical defects. I should have avoided one discectomy and just had the fusion then. but hindsight is always 20 20.
Good luck with your prognosis, trust the Dr, (I hope you are seeing a neuro Dr)and be super careful, restrict, bending, lifting and twisting. Ice alot to relieve swelling always helps me.
good luck and feel better.
HI and welcome to the back and neck support forum.
I am so sorry u r going thru this pain.....and I can not offer ne suggestions or insights.I am sure another member that can relate will pop on and comment.
I just wanted to welcome u and pray u find ur answers
"selma"