Have you had a back fusion?

I have not had a back fusion, but I have had a single level cervical fusion.  And after my cervical fusion, I was also recommended to have a lumbar fusion by my physiatrist, but my surgeon strongly suggested against it.  Instead, I began doing pilates and the back issues were resolved, and then I discovered my low back pain was due to a bad hip, not the bad discs I have.  I had my fusion at UCSF and while I wouldn't necessarily suggest my surgeon, the one thing I appreciate about UCSF is that they really don't recommend surgery unless it's absolutely necessary.  So far they've saved me from three unnecessary surgeries that doctor in the east bay insisted I needed.  

As for whether or not to do the surgery, first off, I'd suggest getting another opinion, and any surgeon who recommends surgery before pursing other treatment options first, should be viewed with suspicion.  My wife's cousin herniated her neck, same level as my fusion, and the surgeon immediately recommended surgery, but instead she did injections and PT and is fine now.  On that note, secondly, I would try everything else possible, such as cortisone injections and physical therapy first.  Lastly, if you do go ahead with the surgery, keep in mind a few things.  The low back takes a significant body weight load and when you fuse a level, and in your case, two, then the discs around them wear out faster.  Could potentially lead to future fusions.  Also, lumbar fusions aren't as well refined as cervical ones yet.  It's a difficult area to operate on, whereas my cervical fusion was a simple incision in the front of my lower neck and my surgeon just moved everything else out of the way.  And lastly, just keep in mind it will most likely be a long recovery.  And while the fusion may address the pinched nerve pain, other issues are likely to arise due to the change in anatomy.  My nerve pain is gone, but the subsequent muscle issues I have now suck.  I've developed stiffness of the facet joints in my cervical spine above and below the fusion, which I've had to pursue more injections to address.  I'm in my early 40's and am 2.5 years out from my cervical fusion and my body is just now adjusting to the way things move differently now. I still need regular chiropractic and massage therapy to keep things manageable, and most likely will for the rest of my life. You don't mention how old you are, but it will definitely change your life.