I'm having EXACTLY the same issues as you, been off work for 9 months now waiting to see if I can do without surgery, I will be having my surgery in about a month.

My pre-op appt. with my neurosurgeon is this coming Thursday, he will be fusing C5 & C6 and possibly replacing a disc as well. I have nerves pinched down both my arms and can't use my hands barely any longer. Since I am a graphic designer it has made me loose a lot of work time.

I have degenerative disc disease, as does my father and my aunt (on my Dad's side), all have had successful surgeries for it. My Dad had my same surgery 15 years ago and it was very successful. Although a big lifestyle change is in order to keep the discs above and below the fusion healthy for the rest of your life post-op.

Good luck to you... you can email me anytime to compare notes... keep positive, it's a very hard thing to go through, and very life changing. Try to meditate and eat right so the inability to do things doesn't get you sad.

I'll post more after my surgery when I'm able to type!

Cathie