@annie1 hello Annie, this is difficult to answer . Firstly , do you have any other health issues that might hinder your recovery ? You do realise that a double major op will be a very long recovery with no guarantees. I have been in terrible pain with my lower sacrum for five years with deprivation and continued pain but the only thing that seemed to show up on my scans was L4/5 degenerative disease with bone growth so I decided to have the operation. My surgeon is a professor so very skilled. As I said before I am four months post op ALIF and my pain is considerably worse than it’s ever been!! I now have leg weakness and stiffness also . I feel like my life is over . If you have osteoporosis and are considering rods , screws and cages with two ops then I can only wish you luck and hope that your recovery is better than mine . I have nowhere left to turn now as I don’t have the strength to fight it anymore . You are younger so it may be ok but please think very carefully and let me know your decision . Regards .