Just saw this - have had the remove-bulging-part neurosurgery twice for back trouble, the first time they only took the bulge and it didn't do anything, the second one they also went into the disk and took out its insides, which worked, and I am still delaying the next one which I assume I will someday need. Sounds like you will be OK too, and I look forward to hearing from the Mr. if you don't feel like typing right away!