I am recovering from my second fusion, 4 weeks out- minimally invasive this time ( less time in recovery). First one in Jan. 2021, was L4-5. I initially felt it was successful but started having pain a few weeks out, radiating on left buttock from spine. This one was revision of first, removing hardware and extending down L5-S1 . I’m walking average of 2 miles daily, cumulative. Trying to consistently do this: rest, walk, sit, do again! Using ice packs a lot. I am not pain free, it’s a long recovery! But I’m so glad I did it again, as I didn’t feel I could live with the constant pain. I’m 70, and like others, I can feel where they harvested bone for the fusion! But it will heal. I had a neurosurgeon, that’s a choice you must make though. I’m in a brace for 3 months, then PT. As I can’t bend yet, I’m not sure if that awful hip pain is gone, but I think it is. I still have numbness in my left leg and feet, but as long as I don’t overdo no burning pain down my legs! I send you my thoughts and prayers you make the right decision for you!