Hi Glassman!

I have had the exact same operations even at the same levels. I had the leg pain and the fusions never helped my back pain. I was diagnosed with "Failed Back Syndrome" and it appears that you are in the same boat.
I was also referred to pain management. I think that is the best option. Everyone has a different course of treatments so it can be trial and error but there are options that can really help you. I don't know much about the SCS because I have a pain pump but it sounds like many people benefit from them. I used to work with a guy that had one and he still took pain medication on occasion but it allowed him to work. I am still in pain everyday but my pump allows me to work.

Have you had many injections? The cortisone shots did nothing for my back or neck pain but I had Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation about 9 months ago and it really helped my leg pain. I was going to post a link but if you just Google it there is a ton of information about the procedure. It was too hard to narrow down which website to post.

Good luck and keep us all posted