Someone i know done 2 spinal fusion, one at cervical and another one at lumbar... First operation for cervical, quite successful, reduce around 80-90% of pain, but for the lumbar not quite successful with maybe around 30% of pain reduction

But she was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, so maybe that what cause her pain not reduce as much..

As for recovery time, I cant remember but AFAIK u can do minor house chores a few days after discharge