[dshobbies]

Fortitudine,

I agree that you've got a problem. Common sense dictates that you don't fix something that ain't broke but it is broke, you just have no pain which usually is the guideline.

Would postponing the surgery cause adjacent discs to deteriorate? Would postponing cause nerve damage or some disability? Could an emergency situation develop? Specifically what are the consequences of waiting? Pain is a huge motivator. Without it what is there to be gained from doing surgery now? These are your questions. If there is no consequence and you're not in pain, voila! End of difficult decision. I do suspect that the answer isn't that simple though. Is what might happen a good enough reason to risk surgery? How many doctors have you seen? Do they all agree on the treatment? Do they all agree on the dangers of waiting? Fear is also a huge motivator so until you're satisfied that you have no other alternative perhaps waiting is your best bet.

I hope you get the answers you seek but...
Good luck, Dale