@nancydancer I think Dr. Fogelson’s response is positive. My MRI looked similar to yours and was only one level involved and you have several. I see discs that are bulging and touching the spinal cord and it can affect you even if it hasn’t progressed to permanent damage. I would encourage you to follow up with him. I think he will help you. He has to see patients first before discussing surgery which is expected and he would likely send you to neurology testing. He is being honest with his remarks. I trust his opinion over and above the other opinions you received. Dr Folgelson told me that myelopathy doesn’t always show on an MRI. You have to do what you think is right and keep in mind there are waiting lists for appointments with good surgeons. He wouldn’t have responded if there wasn’t anything he could do to help.