Hi melb777,
I second everything Jules said & will add that your symptoms can get worse & the calcification of your s-h ligament can continue. Will that happen? Only time will tell. I think erring on the side of caution & wanting to get treated now rather than waiting for your situation to worsen is wise.
You’re very fortunate to have had no major injuries or surgeries so far in your life. Don’t worry about being fearful of dealing w/ this. Surgery is never fun no matter what the expected outcome. Some people do elect to wait to have ES surgery until their symptoms are truly debilitating while others take the first opportunity to get rid of it.
Your diagnosis along w/ the clarification made by the radiologist will be helpful in getting a more solid diagnosis/opinion. I am sorry that you haven’t been able to find someone closer to home to help you. It would be a good idea for you to follow Emma’s advice & send your CT scan & reports to the doctors she recommended especially since they’re closer to home for you. Getting opinions from more experienced surgeons may help to calm your nerves & “light your path” as far as helping you make what feels like the right decision for you at this time.
Please continue to post your thoughts so we can encourage you & help you think things through.