Mine was C6-7 with a boatload of scar tissue as well. Surgery was Dec. 13, 07. Recovery time - it wasn't bad at all. I was off work for six weeks but I don't think I needed to be off that long necessarily. My doctor is very conservative (no lifting over 2 lbs the first six weeks). I'm still on some restrictions (no lifting over 20 lbs) but I'm using 10 lb weights at the gym and back to my regular workout for the most part aside from bench pressing. I have x-rays June 3 at which time I expect to be fused -- in March (12 week point), I was already halfway fused. No problems, no range of motion issues, no pain ... it really wasn't bad at all. That being said, I'm in decent physical shape and had good muscle tone going in to surgery and I fully believe that assisted in my recovery. I do sometimes have muscle spasms if I overdo it - but they are pretty minor. Would I have this surgery again? Absolutely. Good luck.
Kelly