Here is an update after seeing my spine surgeon on Tuesday. Basically we are still in a "it's too early" pattern, meaning that I need to wait much longer to give my nerves a chance to heal. Especially my spinal cord which was being compressed pretty badly. I am basically okay with this. My C5 nerve palsy issue is better, but remember that happened as a result of my surgery! Still I will be doing more PT going forward to help repair that.
We discussed how my inability to get MRIs (due to my pacemaker) does somewhat hinder our view of what is happening. Still remember that two surgeons independently gave me the same diagnosis and Rx after seeing my neurology reports, CT scans and myelogram.

I told him that Gabapentin did not do much for me, so he prescribed some amitriptyline. I only take it once at bedtime.. so far it seems to help me sleep but hard to tell if it is that or the diphenhydramine I take.

That's about all I can remember. I did have my problems going back at least 4 years... I concede that it is possible that some permanent damage has been done. (that is why he said we miss the MRI as it could show if that were the case). But I don't think it is unreasonable to give this more time...