I apologize for not responding earlier. My experience with all of this horrible pain is NOT normal so please do not worry. I had a cervical fusion in 2019 and my recovery was fairly easy, compared to a lumbar fusion. I am struggling with this one because of my shoulder situation. I was only given hydrocodone 4-6 hours for 5 days and that normally should be more than sufficient then moving to Tylenol. You’ll be able to lift 5 pounds within the first two weeks and then it will graduate up…., I would imagine that your doctor would have you back to work within a month. I hope this helps you. Good luck. I am sorry that guy hit you.