I am in the process of scheduling an anterior/posterior lumbar fusion. My spine is now touching my right rib cage, the pain in my leg is intense and limiting (couple years ago I could walk for miles (well 3 at least) now just going around the block is problematic. I am concerned with post surgical deterioration of the thoracic and cervical spine. Per my surgeon there can also be post surgical problems with the hips -I don't want to just trade one set of pains for another -any thoughts would be appreciated