@suerc
Hi!
I've had disc replacement at C5/6. It was minimally invasive. Since I had the surgery first thing in the morning, I was able to go home the same day. An incision was made in my neck and the recovery was very easy. This surgery was done at the end of February 2018.
I had an x-lift fusion at L3/4. It was also minimally invasive. An incision was made on the left side of my body (around my waist). The incision is about 2-3 inches long. I had to stay overnight in the hospital. Muscle was cut that had impacted my left thigh. Until it is 100% healed, (on the inside) I still get some pain in my thigh. This surgery was done about 11 weeks ago. This has been a VERY difficult surgery to recouperate from. It's only been the last week that I have seen a change for the good. I almost never take pain meds. I so, however, take meds for spasms more often, When I sit on a hard surface, I get spasms down my legs.

When I had my first surgery, my doctor discussed my surgical options, replacement or fusion. He said replacement would be a better option for me. The healing is faster. I was told that with a fusion, the weight of the fused discs will often cause issues with those discs below for which another surgery will often be needed.
When I had my second surgery, my doctor said a replacement was not an option in the L-spine. I do not know enough about fusions to tell you the difference between a spinal fusion and a x-lift fusion (which I had).

Hope this information helps!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)