I have not had surgery since 2003. Sorry it's ten years since spinal surgery. Yes, if I lift too much, I can cause pain to come back, but no where near what is was. Fusion for me was not an option to consider, but it may be your only option. Only people who have your kind of pain understand. People with a muscle backache, do not know what you are experiencing. Pain so bad and debilitating you collapse to the ground, any form of movement, is painful and ongoing 24/7.
When I had the spinal surgery, the Tax Dept, liquidated my company, for non payment of Taxes.
That's another story. Sent me returns for money I had not earned, but as I ploughed all my money into surgery, could not afford legal appeal, at that time, but won eight years later.
I also had severe Whooping Cough, 12 years ago.
Still have my lovely wife of 35 years and 4 healthy children, a nice house metres from the River, Perth city, great Truck Camper & wonderful friends and family.
In this period, you will find who your real friends are.
Good Luck, Doug