I am new to this forum, but saw it as opportunity to see if others have experienced the same thing. I had fusion C-6/C-7 August 2007. Now facing same with C-5. Neurosurgeon stated that once the DDD begins, it just continues. Also told me second time around can be tricky due to scar tissue and having to remove previously implanted plate to be able to do this latest repair. I am a bit anxious over this upcoming surgery--scheduled first week January--and especially concerned about being able to continue in my career as an oncology /surgical nurse. I would love to hear from anyone who has been thru this surgery more than one time and the overall effect of DDD on their life/career/etc...I want to know what others have heard about DDD being a chronic disorder. The first time I chalked it all up to being an isolated thing, but obviously it is not that easy.