Keano,
I've already said welcome so let's get right to your problem. I am assuming you live in Germany?
We have often said the best chance for a successful surgery is your choice of doctor. You thought you chose the best but apparantly, this was not the case. Then you went to someone else you trusted for a 10% improvement.
I too thought I chose the best neurosurgeon in my area and though he did a good job, it wasn't the best option for my circumstances and perhaps your circumstances dictate a different surgery.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a device that actually replaces your diseased disc, which is completely removed before inserting the artificial one. Though there are risks and healing from this surgery can take awhile, if your discs cannot be repaired, they will continue to cause pain. Another option might be fusion where your disc is removed, bone matter is inserted and allowed to heal into solid bone. This option also requires an extended healing time but also prohibits movement from that disc space which can have a negative impact from the discs above and below it. This means, the whole thing can happen again and again and so on. You should also know that just because something can happen doesn't mean it will. These are possible side effects.
Your best chance for success is still your choice of doctor. The best ADR surgeon in the world is Dr. Bertagnoli in Bogan and Strauding. You can have an internet consultation.
Dr. Bertagnoli or
Home - Pro-Spine - Your spine specialists - We are an expert team of orthopaedic surgeons. I don't know if he charges for these initial consultations but I don't think so. Both he and his associate Dr. Fenk-Meyer are highly competent and you just might find the remedy you're so desperately seeking. It's worth contacting them.
We all know what living with constant pain is like. Many of us know about failed back surgeries and the surgeons who simply tell us they're sorry but there's nothing more they can do. This is a horrible way to live. Please contact Dr. B and maybe you can get your life back.
Please keep us posted. We care and we'll be following your story.
Dale