@lchop
I had my spinal fusion, L2-5 for DDD. Unfortunately it failed. Not sure if it was the surgery itself or that all the other issues( severe stenosis combined with Bertolotti Syndrome) that were not addressed at all. My lumbar spine cracks like knuckles when I bend. Any walking is really painful which I attribute to the articulation at L5/S1. With multiple facet injections, nerve blocks and RFA at L3-L5. None worked! Adding osteoarthritis in hands, hip back and knees to the mix doesn't help. I live on Celebrex 200mg 2x daily, Extra strength Tylenol throughout the day and occasional tramadol which helps take the edge off only when necessary. Nothing really makes the pain away. What stinks is the relief is short lived and I'm hesitant to increase the tramadol. Moist heat and ice do give some additional relief. I've reconciled myself that this is my life going forward at 71 years old. Multiple surgeons haven't given the "fix" other than a complete fusion (L1-S1 which is prefaced with less than a 50% potential positive outcome. I wish you much luck as I relate to your chronic pain, fatigue and frustration. With all modern medicine tools and technics no two surgeons can give a diffinitive diagnosis and correction.