I had two separate consultations with a neurosurgeon - Dr. Masson - in Orlando this week. He is recommending a two level artificial disc replacement and considered it serious enough that he put me at the front of his line. I could get this done as early as next week.

According to him: Although I don't have any arm pain, the tingling sensation in my arm extending to my fingertips and the significant muscle strength loss in my right tricep warrants the procedure.

Regarding the muscle strength. I can do 10 reps of single arm triceps extensions with my left arm holding a 25 pound dumbbell no problem. with my right arm I can't do one rep with a 5 pound dumbell.

He doesn't feel any of the more conservative treatments I've tried is going to help, and said that the longer I don't address the nerve damage the more long term or permanent my muscle weakness will be.

I've never had any surgery before, and frankly the thought of it scares the hell out of me. But if that's what I need to do I will do it. I could use some support from surfers that have had positive surgery outcomes right now.