I had my fusion L4-S1 in 1990 with stainless steel plates and screws. I’ve never had a day of pain free existence since then. I’ve taken over the years almost all the oral pain meds and switched to buprenorphine patch 20mcg/x7 days. It is the first med that has given me functional relief daily. I also have spinal OA, PN, spinal stenosis but I exercise twice a day and walk 2 miles daily. Now that I’m retired my time is spent taking care of my back as my sole job.