[Jagshund]

If your insurance isn't going to pay for it, I'd recommend looking at options in Germany. They are a few generations ahead of the US in terms of artificial discs that are approved for use. If it is being covered, and they want to replace the disc, might want to discuss the options about your bone vs. donor (cadaver). Everyone I know (four people, myself included) who have replacements have had issues with non-union. I even had to have a second surgery to replace the donor bone with my own, clear some nerves that had gone awry and repair the next level down.

That's not saying that it's a widespread issue, but it has been in my realm.