Hello there! When I read your post I felt I needed to reach out to you. Most importantly, I would think very seriously about spinal fusion surgery- (I had an anterior-posterior fusion L4-S1 in 2002). It was not a success. Please consider 2nd and 3rd opinions. I wish someone had told me this! My heart goes out to you and I am new here as well but less invasive things could possibly help w/ your pain but fusion does NOT always relieve pain. I know that disability is lonely and very tough but this forum seems wonderful and people in similar situations can relate, you know??? My thoughts are with you and please know you are not alone.