Oh man I'm so sorry Plumber. I wish I could suggest something but you've been through it all.

I agree about the pain meds and gabapentin. I end up felling messed up and sleepy. I had both knees replaced in 2022 and just used the diluted nerve block they gave me for three days, then Celebrex for a week and Tylenol. But nothing at all like what you are going through.

This is what scares me about lumbar fusion, or any spinal fusion. It's a last resort. For joint replacements most stories are good. I had three laminotomies on S1, L5, and L4 and all good.

I do wish you the best friend. Stay strong. Joe