Ps. Like Jennifer would also like to know where the neurosurgeon studied in the USA.
Also if you havent stopped riding and lifting weight, need to stop. Lifting weights may have caused some of your issues. When you are better, find new isometric exercises ,perhaps plank, but no more bilateral flies with weights, they will flare you up everytime. I do all my upper body work laying down with my alone totally out of gravity. Had to give up my 10 speed and only use recumbent bike in gym. Like I said, have to adapt, fusion is not always the best answer. Read " Watch you back" a dr talks about the oversold business of fusions.. jm1