Rule of thumb - one year recovery!! Go slowly! I can’t have a needed fusion due to my having lung disease, but I have always been told the recovery is one year. A dear friend had a fusion and that’s how long it took her as well. She actually went into a nursing home for six months because she didn’t want her husband tending to her bodily functions. Patience is key! One day at a time. Tramadol is a good medication to ease pain if that is available for you. Good luck.