Just my 2cents which are NOT expert opinion. ;)
I understand your reluctance to have another fusion due which will limit your neck mobility as well as put additional stress on the spine below the fusion.
Personally I am holding out for artificial disc replacement because I am NOT interested in a 5 level fusion for DDD C4-7 with significant and symptomatic stenosis of the spinal canaly.
Unfortunately, even though at least one artificial cervical disc has been approved by the FDA, multi-level disc replacement is still experimental and in this area (Boston) the insurers are generally refusing to pay for even one level of cervical disc replacement though I believe they have caved and finally agreed to pay for lumbar disc replacement.
I totally understand the role the issue of being able to work plays in these decisions. I tried desperately to keep working after my MS diagnosis. I do not have any significant mobility problems but despite numerous other schedule accommodations I could not negotiate the 6-7 in-hospital night calls out of my job and my MS fatigue (and the cognitive problems that accompanied it) would not permit me to continue with any reasonable degree of stable health for me or safety for my patients.
I stopped working last January but I miss it terribly...and not just the income!
Good luck with your decisions and your health.
I think I would have less pain as well if i did not work..i can tell when i take vacations...do u think the decrease in stress helped?
I'm sorry but I must not have been clear. I have not had any spine surgery because I am reluctant to have such an extensive fusion because of the potential complications. Fortunately so far I can get enough pain relief to function. I did not stop work because of my pain though I definitely have less pain since I stopped working.
Thanks..I am single..i am a nurse and i am 48..i need to work...i am just not sure another fusion is the answer..did u get relief with each fusion or did u find it just caused another fusion down the road?