Penguin, WELCOME to the forum. Sorry it took me a while to get to this.
The surgery you had addresses the disc protrusion and nerve compression, but does not really address the degeneration that has and will continue to occur. While some are lucky enough to get away with just a discectomy / laminotomy, many of us will ultimately have more surgery in the same area. Discs can reherniate and continue to break down as time goes on.
The MRI language you posted is scored by me as 3 milds and 2 moderates. Unfortunately, the pathology described can be completely asymptomatic in some, but could be highly symptomatic in others.
I'll be interested to hear what your doctor has to say.
All the best,
Mark
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