Honey, discectomy and fusion you can't compare by mile, they are not comparable. This is why discosectomy surgery success rate is 99.9% and for fusions are very different.
You must tell your DR about swelling and talk to him about pain. Tell him this: when I lay down, my pain level is 7 out of 10, when I walk is 9 and so on. He will have a better idea this way what you are going through. Pain and recovery after fusion is not a walk in a park, sweetie, you will need a lot of resting to do, a lot of meRAB to keep your pain under control. I am not saying pain free life, but under control. This only your surgeon or PM DR can suggest you something, we don't know, because we are not Doctors here.
Make sure you use your ice: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off; cover ice bad in a towel to prevent burn. Don't keep for longer than 20 minutes at the time. I hope your DR told you that icing is a very important part to your every day routine for at least a month after the surgery, for some a lot longer. And even later if you have a bad day - put ice again.
Try to wake up every hour and move for 10 minutes at least - very important. Walking every day and many times a day - is crucial. Did they teach you how to get up (like a log position), sit, move after surgery? Make sure you take good care of your colon since PK causing severe constipation (sorry) but one after the spinal surgery not allowed to push, so take every single day Miralax, soft gels, etc.
Best wishes on your recovery!:angel:
