Pabloh,
If you do end up having an epidural suggested, give it a try. A few shots in a year aren't going to hurt your bones, and may very well calm your nerves and relieve some pain. I've had epidural steroids on a number of occasions, and they've mostly helped. My secretary has them done on her c spline every couple of years, and it's saved her from surgery. The other thing she has is a tens unit that she uses when she has a flare up, and that helps too.

You probably do want to avoid fusion for as long as possible, but if a discectomy would help, it's not as major of surgery as a fusion. When I had one, I was back working in 2 weeks, and back traveling for my job in 6 weeks. I had a micro discectomy, so with a very small incision. My doctor has now actually recommended a fusion, but I'm getting by with occasional epidurals and occasional pain medication.

I'm glad to hear your GP is trying to get you into seeing a spinal surgeon. Good luck with finding something out!

Kay