I feel your pain and am sorry. but i had fusion done 11/2 yaers ago and still min pain. i dont know why your dr didnt tell you that you will not be able to lift all that wweight again. i was a nurses aid and now i cant do that job ever again. i can only lift 10lbs and can not do any repetive action. if so im in pain. they fused c4,c5,c6,c7 at one time .i have headaces in the back of my neck that goes up my head its horrible. wanna talk i will dont think so horrible i do go to college hoping i will be able to do something then sit with pain