I had a lumbar fusion - TLIF = transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. 3 levels on one side, I think L and 2 on R, I’d have to look it up. Was in 11/2011. I had degenerative disc disease, spondolisthesis (?sp? where discs are not lined up) and can’t remember if herniated vs bulging discs. I had back pain but it suddenly became unbearable as a synovial cyst at L4 ruptured and bled into my spinal fluid/cord area. Woke me out of a sound sleep yelling like a banshee. I had GREAT relief once I recovered (I had a neck fusion with plating 6 weeks after back surgery) so the recovery was longer in general. But I did really well until about 3-4 years ago when I, STUPIDLY, did something at gym I knew I shouldn’t have done. My fault. Screwed up discs below my fusion. Last year I was told I needed another level of fusion at L5-S1. I was scheduled for it but changed my mind. Got other opinions and now have a spinal cord stimulator which helps a fair amount. I just really didn’t want to have another major surgery (too many surgeries for many things in past 10 years!). I definitely would check out at least another opinion or two. One thing to keep in mind, speaking as both a patient and former RN - get another opinion OUTSIDE of your doctor’s partners/clinic. It is often common for clinicians to ok their partner’s proposal without question. A second opinion outside should be able to utilize your recently done CT scan, MRIs, XRays, etc. so cost should be minimal and most insurance incl (I think) Medicare, pays for second opinion. Good luck!