My father had mentioned reading about it just before I had the MRI, at the time I never expected I would be needing it, or would be having it done a few weeks later, it's so new here that if I had been evaluated a couple years earlier, fusion may have been my only option.
By chance the Dr I was referred to is one of the best in the USA for the surgery, I think my sister found he was in top 10.
Hopefully multiple replacements will eventually be allowed in the USA, currently if I ever need more done I would have to go outside the USA to have done to avoid fusion surgery. From what I researched, Germany is supposed to be best, Mexico cheapest.
Recovery time is roughly half that of fusion, and you don't lose mobility, less complications, apparently safer, etc.
First disc replacement was done around 1982, first in USA was around 2008.
Haven't noticed any tremors with my right hand / arm since surgery.
Hopefully can be fursuiting again in a couple weeks, but think probably another month or 2 before I can ride motorcycle again.

Had disc replacement surgery April 2017, c6-c7, am now recovering, no longer in pain from the pinched nerves in that area, have not needed any meds after surgery for any pain, for some reason I either haven't felt or been bothered by incisions after major surgeries.
Won't be to meets until I am clear to drive. Not sure yet until I can safely Fursuit, probably when I am ok'd to go back to motorcycle riding.
From what I understand 3 months for "full" recovery.

This was my first convention, it also is run by my home group,  marylandfurs
The day before I was going to make reservations I found out I had to be home Saturday for a family event, so I didn't make reservations, then Friday became a problem with work, also wasn't sure if my truck would make it there.
Thursday found out job for Friday got changed, was able to work late and get Friday off. Was in a lot of pain Friday, and almost decided not to go, by noon I was feeling a little better and went, walked around with a cane due to arthritis and other problems.
Saturday with family didn't involve much walking so I was feeling well enough to get around without the cane Sunday.
When I arrived I had my photo taken by  velantian, I was the first tintype of the day.
Went to  novafurs meetup, I hope to go to some of their events this year.
It was nice meeting up with York area  pafurs, they are the first group I joined.
Also got to meet new furs, and friends from online.
I was in Fursuit almost the whole time, head off for a few events in order to hear and see clearly.