Try not to get discouraged if that is what the surgeon says is that you do need a fusion. I have RA along with Degenerative Disk Dieses. The biggest thing that will help you for this surgery is to get your body as strong as you possibly can before surgery. You go into surgery strong and you come out strong and it will make the recovery process much better and easier. Don't think your world as you know it will end after a fusion, I am still able to do close to 95% of the things I use to do.