Steve,
I feel so bad for you, facing another difficult surgery with the disadvantages of fusion.
I think the question still remains, are you going to go with Dr. R or will you allow the new Dr. M do your surgery with a consult from Dr. R? Also, when is the biggest question?
Well life is full of ups and downs. This is your down which I'm sure will be followed by a very long up
.
You are very definitely in my thoughts, Dale