Man what a scary experience to have gone through.
I want to say, good on you for looking after yourself and seeking care, especially when it feels like you havent been supported. Sometimes the people around us dont understand or dont get it right. You help just by speaking up. Truly.
Doctors often give advice / trial a therapy amd if you dont go back, they assume you got better. If it aint working out, go back and say so. You should get taken seriously, and Im sorry if that hasnt been your experience.
Amongst other things, Facial droop and pupil dilation can be a big deal and should have sparked a comprehensive exam. A herniated disc at C7/T1 does not cause those issues. It is not always necessary to operate on a herniated disc, but should it come to it, it is now microsurgery, quite a bit safer and less invasive. However this is typically done when other approaches have failed. It provides more immediate relief, but outcomes are similar surgical v non-surgical after 12 months. I suspect this will not be the route you need to go.
I am with the previous commenter, follow up with your concerns!
I will never give that guy my views. Bad taste, bad faith, bad takes. Literally nothing to like there. I was addicted to my outrage, and this guy deals the most potent dose of idiocy you can snort