My fusion is at the l4-l5 disc, and the only problem I have is slight loss of range of motion. It less than 5%, but it affects certain things I do in the gym, but theres alternatives. I can still squat and deadlift. I was lucky enough to find a doctor that did his residency under some of the best spinal surgeons in the country, and has a 95% success rate for fusions. When I made the decision to get the fusion they found I no longer had a disc left. It was virtually gone, and the only reason I was able to function day to day was pain killers by the handful.
I was very lucky, I hear stories like what guns01 posted all the time. I actually had a chance to get an artificial disc. I fit all the requirements for a trial that was testing a new disc replacement. Some people got the fda approved one, and other got the new one. I applied and was chosen, I only backed out because the travel was to much. Im kind of glad I did now that I hear they aren't that effective in the lumbar spine.
I hope both of you get back to 100%, because back pain is horrible.