I am 8 weeks out from fusion of L4-5, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. I had back pain from OA, bulging discs, stenosis, a few other issues and some I still have. I decided it was time due to quality of life, only went to work appointments (real estate) and back to bed.
Everyone must decide what they can withstand. I went back to work at 3 weeks, but limited. My pain was pretty severe. The pain after surgery for me was bad, but I am
glad I did it. I won’t do any more steroid injections or ablations, if I can help it! Good luck with your decision! I went to 3 other NS before choosing Mayo.