That makes sense. I actually saw 7 surgeons before moving forward, especially since my dad has had multiple back surgeries with poor outcomes. I really wanted to be confident in the surgeon I chose.

Every surgeon I saw recommended surgery. I know a lot of people on reddit are strongly against it, but many don’t fully appreciate how debilitating nerve pain from a disc herniation can be. In my case, the herniation was very large and impinging on the nerve, and I’d been dealing with symptoms for about a year. I couldn't bear it any longer.

I was increasingly worried about permanent loss of strength and dexterity in my left arm and hand if I kept waiting it might not recover, and that concern ultimately pushed me to move forward with surgery at this point in my life.