Hi!
I had acdf on C5/6,6/7 on Feb 14th this year...the good news is I had cages and plates too and have had very good luck. I was back at work 3 weeks post-op, and have had little trouble since. I know lumbar is more difficult, and requires more recovery..but cages and plates are the way to go...no risk of failed fusion, as it is all mechanical.
Good luck!!
Dave