Dont know about how much damage you may have, I have been able to ride even with severe damage to L-4 and 5 with nerve root damage in left leg. My understanding about fusion is it reinforces the damaged area and should be good to go, What does your dr say I would grill him on this, Good Luck I know your pain, Get a second opinion, when it comes to the back some times they can do more damage, My saw bones says its too late for me and I have been to the Mayo Clinic and have them still working on me