I want to Welcome you here on Neuro Talk. You will find a warm community of people, who will listen and try to help you. I am so sorry you had to go through so many surgeries. I can relate to that. I had C6-7 done which failed then 20 months ago C3-7. I had a better result than you but is it is not by any means perfect. I take oral medication in a low does. I also have ankle issues in which I need the oral meds. I would be afraid to have any more spinal fusions myself. In fact I won't. I am done with it. I just hope if the pain increase with the spinal problem the docs will alow me comfort. Many people on this site have had various degrees of success or failures with spinal fusions. Many are also on medications that are addictive. Most however never really have to worry about addiction with pain medications. It doesn't really happen alot of you are careful in what you take. Real pain patients don't abuse any meds, and arn'tafraidto use them. They have a place in our lives to grant some quality of life. There is a very education man on this site named Doc. Smith. He has a great deal of knowledge about medications. If you have worry or question, I know he would answer you. You also find on this site alot of compassion. I found this site while waiting for my second fusion, in some terrible pain and frightened to death. I got lots of support and prayers here. You will make some friends I am sure. Have a happy valentines day, and I am glad you found Neruo Talk. ginnie