Hi Neil.
I am sorry you are in so much pain and things aren't going well for you!
Originally the 1st surgeon I went to suggested that I get a 2 level disc replacement. I recently got a 2nd opinion and he suggested getting the Microdiscectomy. Everything I've found out about it says its only good for leg pain. My problem is I have both leg pain/numbness along with lower back pain. I also had the same question for him. If after getting the MicroD would I still be able to get the ADR if need be. He said YES.
I'm not fully convinced the MicroD is for me based off my own research online. I would love to find out anything and everything you know about it.
With everything I have learned from people on this forum and online it has led me get a 3rd opinion. Have you heard or read about a procedure called Disc Decompression? I will be asking my next doctor on March 8th if its something to look further into. To me it seems to good to be true. Here is are a couple sites I found with a little info about it.
http://www.backstrong.net/indh103a_s...on_therapy.htm
http://www.americanspinal.com/
I hope this helps some.
Good Luck!
~Liz