I have had C567, fusion in March 2018, and Fusion L45,S1, Aug. 2018. Pain has shifted from hips down both legs and feet. To muscle pain in hips and nerve pain inleft calf to toes. Neck is healing well. I have a bone stimulator for Lumbar. Meds. dont help with pain. Gabepatin 600mg 3 times a day, tylenol, flexril. Over doing increases pain.

Your symptoms sound familiar, especially for medications. It takes 6 months to get the first results on how the bone is regrowing. If you have osteoporosis it will take longer to see the best results. I had thoracic fusion in April because I fell and fractured the T10. Hope you were offered a bone stimulator. The more you strain your neck the more pain you will experience. Meds that prevent nerve pain have the side effects you mention.

I had a C Fusion C4/5 & C5/6 due to Myelopathy caused by Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament flattening my spinal cord. After the surgery I had tingling and numbness in my right hand in the area between my thumb and 1st finger, and weakness in my left triceps making lifting my arm above my head difficult. It is still there 14 yrs later but is much improved. I had severe shoulder/neck pain for a few months after the surgery, but PT with a very experienced Physical Therapist helped a lot.
I also did exercises in a warm therapy pool. I have not wanted any more spine surgery since, even though L5/S1 is bone on bone with Demyelination.

Sleeping with a cpap gives the air needed to sleep better and wake feeling refreshed. Deep breathing exercises help lung muscles.. I also have sleep apnea .. I find it helpful to get constant air during sleep time. Makes a huge difference in the way I feel the next day.. If I don't use it I wake up groggy and very tired.

My doctor finally told me this was due to medication. I am to the point now that I just ask people to help me fill in the blank and explain that medication causes me to forget words. But I do hate the fog. The worst thing is that I have finally decided to sell my motorcycle. There is no way I will ever be able to ride it again, I think the pain I could overcome but the fog and dizziness would just be too dangerous.