LRA,
A fusion is pretty drastic and though no one wants to think in terms of multiple surgeries, you can still have one after the discectomy, which is far less invasive. Also, I don't know your specific circumstances but without any contra-indications, I'd consider an ADR before fusion in the first place.
I should also mention that discos often don't last (further degeneration on operated and compromised level) and can lead to further degeneration at adjacent segments. However, this is even more likely with fusion.
Can you give us more specifics, doctors, locations, age...
Dale
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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