Aloha, Tango Man.
For me, the thought of waiting any longer was risky. Then (2003-04), I was suffering from worsening nerve pain, while not knowing the extent of my L5-S1 degradation. My pain was tolerable, but quality of life was very poor.
When I had surgery in June of 2004, I was starting to autofuse. If I had waited even just a few more months, the autofusion would have been too far along -- the doc would have sewn me back up!
So, one of many points of consideration is the rate of disease progression, autofusion, worsening pain....as well as the risks of waiting for ANY specific solution.
There is of course, much more to sort out. Maybe others can chime in. But do keep us posted!
|