[Mr. Scary]

first, thanx harrison for the welcome and authorizing my posting abilities.
I'm glad i found you guys! I've been lurking here waiting to post for a couple of days.
second, apologies for the lengthy post to follow.
third, i hope this is in the right area, if not admins feel free to move appropriately.

My 3rd discogram shows
-disk extrusion & significant posterior grade 5 annular tear at l4-5, basically herniated
-l3-4 disk bulge & grade 4 annular tear, mild facet arthropathy
-l5-s1 possible grade 2/3 annular tear & diffuse annular bulge, mild facet arthropathy
-low volume annular bulge without focal disk protrusion or annular tearl2-3

My Dr. is Ali Araghi from the Texas Back Inst. he has given me these options
1. live with the pain and control with meds---NOT!
2. discetomy for leg pain relief but with not much relief for back pain-NOT!
3. PLIF-??
or
4. Prodisc ADR for L4-5-??

I've been tryin' to do my research and i'm leaning toward the ADR. my initial concern is the possibility of the ADR 'slipping' or popping out, under extreme acitivities. as well as if i go down the fusion road so will it be in the future.

I'm a 44 year old male. happily married with 3 wonderful, ACTIVE, kids.(8,12,&15).
I've had 3-4 years of conservative treatments;
core strengthening
PT
accupunture
accupressure
massage therapy
more epidurals than i can or want to remember
more drugs than i can or want to remember, currently on oxycodone.

Q's

-what classifies as an extreme activity?
motorcycle riding, horse back, soccer, raquetball, golf, are/were the norm before 3-4 years ago when the back went south.
-pro vs cons on the PLIF vs the ADR..??..??

Thanx in advance for any responses/suggestions or whatevers.
Again, i'm glad i found you guys and am looking forward to finally getting some resolution and my life back to normal.

Tentative surgery scheduled for either 1/19 or 1/26.

Mr. $cary