Thank you everyone for your support and advice. I am actively seeking second third and will probably get a fourth opinion.
KL- you asked where I was, I live in Austin Tx. I am checking out Drs in Houston and Dallas too, since it isn't very far away. I have Aetna Choice PPO for insurance, but based on other experiences with them with our whole family, I don't hold out much hope they will pay for anything BUT a fusion from what I read.
Mom