I hope what ever decision you make turns out the best for you. I did wind up with a big surgery, a second one even and it turned out good. I do think there are more good results than negative ones, regarding a surgical approach. Living on those Medications all the time isn't easy eithor. If it were not for my horrible ankels I would be off my meds. My neck is fused C3-7 and I really am in pretty good shape considering how horrible it was before. I do wish you all the best no matter what you decide. Good luck and I hope your doctor is fantastic to you. ginnie