Hi Ali,
You came to a very resourceful place so I think you can gain some assistance here.
If you are not in an emergent place to make a surgical decision get several opinions. Mark can be helpful here IMHO and I'd have a talk w/him. ditto on previous poster's recommendation re checking out Mark's website at
GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR
When you find the surgeon and the surgery you think will work best for your lifestyle then you will probably be ready to move on tho don't jump the gun w/o checking things out re surgery/surgeon.
Perhaps it'd be a good idea to plan on getting some help as well just in case your recovery is a bit slower than you expect and you need help to accomplish the things/goals you have planned for the upcoming near future.
You are starting in the right direction. You've had some diagnostic tests done and you're seeking some further direction. Keep going as you're on a path already.
Here's a good website to learn about the spine:
ChiroGeek's Home Page
Reading there might help you forumlate and/or understand more of what is going on with your spine.
Good luck and welcome. Your career sounds wonderful!