I too have degenerative disc disease of my L4-L5 and L5-S1. I've had 2 surgeries on my L5-S1 and I'm looking at a surgery on my L4-L5 in the near future.
I had a microdiscectomy on my L5-S1 disc in ~'16. My one regret in life is that I put it off for as long as I did. Minimally invasive, recovery only took a couple of weeks or so. If you have enough disc left go this route. If you haven't looked at your own xray yet, you really need too.
I had the disc replaced with an artificial disc in ~'22. Thankfully, the VA stepped in and paid for it because AL BCBS wouldn't pay for it at that point. The orthopedic community is split over whether there's enough movement lost from fusing the L5-S1 to make the disc replacement worth it. Neither surgery is infinitely preferable if that's an option. I was bone on bone, so that wasn't an option. Given the choice I'm glad I dealt with the recovery of the disc replacement surgery and went that route. It's a difficult, complex, and risky procedure, so find someone who does a lot of these even if you have to travel. Just know the trip home is going to suck! And it's a solid 6 week recovery.
My surgeon and I had discussed fuzing the L5-S1 and replacing the L4-L5 in one surgery. Ultimately, I'm glad he talked me out of it. My L4-L5 is actually really healthy and has gotten visibly thicker in the Xrays. However, part of me that believes that an L4-L5 replacement is ultimately in my future and wishes I would have just done it then. I stand by the decision to try to avoid this.
I also have a bulged disc in my L4-L5 and a partial labral tear in my hip. I'm not entirely sure what exactly is causing my back pain at the moment, but I'm ready for another microdiscectomy. It's my plan to put this off until early next year.
I just did a consult with waystowell on stem cell therapy this last week. At this point it's my intent to go to Austin for that procedure, but I'm waiting for an appointment with my surgeon to discuss whether it would be best to do it prior to or post surgery.
Additionally, I've done a few cycles of BPC157 w&wo TB500 over the last few years. I'm on it now and it noticeably helps my back pain. It's the only thing that explains the improvement of my L4-L5 disc over the last few years.