I hope you get some answers and something to help stop the pain. I had my lower back fused due to Spondylolisthesis. They took L5 out completely and parts of L4 and did a bone graft from L4 to S1. I have 2 rods, 6 screws and 2 screens in me and this was done on 3/12. My best advice to you is to stay active and keep your body strong. Im only 28 and I have both hips replaced (one hip replacement has failed so they have to replace it again) but ALL of my doctors believe that the only thing that is keeping me together is that I am very physically active and my body is strong. Like you and others here, I live in pain every day and I know its hard to live with it. What helped me was I just accepted it...I know the pain is not going away but I am not going to let it control my life. It sucks being young and in pain but, just dont give up!