I am 4 weeks post fusion. The first 3 days were the most unimagineable pain...but I am a punk, so everything hurts me. After 3 days it is tolerable...after 2 weeks it is really good. Your restrictions may be no lifting, bending or twisting. I had fusions from L4-S1. I still have some of the same pain that I did before, but I am only 4 weeks out. I am on SSDI, but not for my back probs.
I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide!