I was 65 at the time of my spinal fusion L-4--S1 lamenectomy in two areas for nerve compression. I'm 2yrs post op. My nerve pain in my legs came back. I'm hard on my body sometimes and I'm redoing a floor in my apartment. I love home improvements , but I woke 2 days ago in so much pain my pain meds were not controlling it and I could hardly walk without discomfort. I see my Neuro surgeon in 2 days. Everything I'm reading indicates I may have jiggled my screws loose or I have DDD and the L-3 was bulging after surgery. I have gained the weight I had to lose back 30 pds . I'm sure that hasn't helped the pressure. My surgery was very very hard to recover from. You could say I never completely recovered. My original back pain did get better I was able to bend, but I lost muscle strength in my upper legs I was unable to get myself up from the ground by myself. 2yrs finally legs had strength but now they had the nerve pain to deal with neuropathy in my left foot is a big issue now.
I have to say I don't think I could go through this area surgery again. Recovery was ugly and brutal. I wish all the best of luck. I would conclude for you to make sure the rest of your spine is healthy enough to handle the change..