Justin:
Your surgery sounds amazing couldn't take place with a less competent surgeon. You will be going to one of the best in the world so your results should be great. The DSS sounds like a system that should be put in place with all ADR's. I wonder if facet issues could not be avoided, if was utilized with ADR recipients, to provide better stabilization of the spinal column.
As far as being young, I can relate. I started rupturing discs in my 20's and have been on a downhill slide ever since. My first spinal injury was when I was 14. I was walking backwards to get an extremely large kite in the air. They had no gate covering a concrete culvert and I fell backwards, over the ledge, 15 ft. to the concrete below. I landed smack on my coccyx and shoved it upwards. It's been a thrill a minute since.
But, I am now approaching old age and still worry that I may not be done with surgeries on the spine so, I have to really take it one day at a time. I am extremely grateful for what I have today and that I can still walk.
You've become a good friend Justin and I think the world of you. Elizabeth and I pray that all will be okay and you will be able to resume your studies shortly to be the best physician that you will become. It's great to have a surgery date lined up and this will give you an opportunity to get everything all lined up.
Here's to better days ahead Justin.
Terry Newton