It is definitely apparent that each individual in this thread has his/her own specific experiences (successes and failures) dependent on processes undergone.
In my case, I had a final chat with my chosen neurosurgeon yesterday (29 June), and I am booked into theatre on 20 July to undergo an ALIF at L5-S1 with a titanium, not PEEK, cage (ordered from here: https://4webmedical.com/) filled with bone material - not from my hip, but from the bone bank - and then, after flipping my body over while under anaesthetic, inserting pedicle screws (titanium rods screwed into the vertebrae) through my back securing stability between L5 and S1.
It's an estimated 4.5hr surgery, but the prognosis sounds best to me, with a shorter anticipated recovery time due to additional stability provided by the pedicle screws.
It's an approx all-in 1 year recovery. Initially, it'll be arund 3 months before more resistive/strenuous physical activities can be entertained, other than physical activities with the physio, including walking.
I can't have a foraminotomy due to the level (L5-S1) affected and my hips being "in the way" for this procedure.
I'll keep this site informed on my progress, but I'd be pleased to continue hearing others' experiences and opinions on the above.
Good health, or best health under the circumstances, to you all.