@rico2
What levels in your cervical and lumbar spine have disc bulges? Have you read your MRI reports to know what exactly is wrong and has the surgeon explained what is needed and why? Did they mention using hardware? I have a metal cage around my cervical spine at C5-C6 and I am still able to move my neck pretty well. Have you considered getting a 2nd/3rd opinion to consider other surgical options?

I also have lumbar spine problems L3-S1 (moderate to severe central/foraminal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica) and see a surgeon this week to understand what he would suggest. He did my ACDF surgery on my c5-c6 so I trust him. He may suggest doing a laminectomy and fusion plus foraminotomy to make more room for my L5 nerve roots on both sides. I have significant pain/weakness/numbness lower back, hips, buttocks, legs and feet and it makes it hard for me to do much. I can’t sit, stand, walk for long and need to change positions often.

My suggestion is to focus on your cervical spine first because damage to your spinal cord and nerve roots can become permanent if not decompressed ASAP. Do you know if your MRI shows spinal cord flattening/compression? Do you have any impact on bladder/bowel/standing up from seated position? That might make it more urgent for you to get 2nd/3rd opinions. How long have you been suffering with your symptoms?

Btw…I am a 55 year old female and my symptoms have been gradually worsening for 13 years but especially for the last 7-8 years.