I had a TLIF at several lumbar levels in 2011. My course was “complicated” because I had a neck fusion at two levels 6 weeks later. I took a total of 5 months off work. However, I was a Recovery Room RN, so I was going back to a very physically demanding job. It’s really going to depend on your job and what it entails. Things went well until a few years ago. Partially my fault for being stupid at the gym. Partially because when one has a fusion, it puts more strain and pressure immediately above and below the fusion. So now I have more degenerative disease above my neck fusion and below my back fusion. I began having significant leg pain/lower back pain. Began having probable sciatic pain, trouble walking, etc. Long story short have been offered more neurosurgery/another fusion in my L5/S1 area. I refused. I now have a spinal cord stimulator installed. It works well for me. Not everyone has that kind of luck, I understand.