I had a spinal fusion 8 years ago which went a little wrong and I now have nerve damage to my left leg, however it was far better than the problems I had before.
I was walking with 2 sticks and using a scooter as my mobility had dropped so much. I had to face up to the fact that I was never going to be able to do lots of exercise or get back what I had but I hoped that my bypass would buy back some time and stop some of the pain.
I am on permanent fentanyl as well as other pain killers and anti inflammatory's. I was really hoping to reduce the medication but that has not happened. I had my by pass May 2012 and have lost over 8 stone, now a size 10. I no longer use a stick to walk most if the time and have much more energy but pain has not dropped. I suffer from fybromyalgia which I know will effect this.
My bypass has given me my legs back, I love it for that, the rest was going to happen anyway.
I had joint facet injections before my fusion, they were the worst thing I ever did, that was about 10 years ago though. I hope they are better now. A fusion may be radical but I can honestly say, even with the complications it has been my saviour. Good luck