@margiewoods51111 It's OK to be scared. Sometime you just need to take it one day at a time. Did you know that anxiety will increase the pain you have? I have been able to lessen pain by listening to relaxing music and doing deep slow breathing in time to the music. I get so relaxed, I can get lost in the music. You should try it. I was taking my blood pressure before and after, and I could drop it by 15 points. In doing this, you learn to control your response to pain or fear and feel much more confident. Also don't forget that you faced this challenge once before and that shows bravery. That is a big lesson I learned in going through spine surgery in learning to face and conquer my fear. You can do it!

Jennifer

I don't know your best course of action but I think questioning the necessity of a fusion is wise. I thought you might find this of interest.
https://www.beckersspine.com/spine/59101-surgeons-warn-of-overutilization-of-spinal-fusion.html?utm_source=email&utm_content=odysseypromo&oly_enc_id=7065D5097534B8B