I want to thank all of you who replied, and those of you who didn't, but posted and helped me make my decision. Thank you for sharing your lives and experiences. You can read my symptoms if you search "tapgirl". I was diagnosed with CM-1 with an 8mm herniation in 2007. Headaches, memory, balance issues, depression...those were the main symptoms and even getting out of bed was painful and would cause headaches.
I had my surgery on Nov. 11, 2008 with Dr. Oro and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!! I am symptom free, my memory improved, the depression is gone, and I am back to exercising, tap dancing and living and loving life--which I suppose is why I didn't reply sooner--too busy catching up!

Dr. Oro is fantastic, the nursing team at Aurora South is amazing and if I would have known recovery for this was going to be easier than my shoulder surgery, I would have done it sooner!
I wish all of you the best and pray many blessings in your lives! God Bless!