Jeff and Dave,

I had ACDF C5/6/7 back last June and many people had given me some great advice which I will try to pass along to you both. I'll do my best to remember everything...lol

Immediately after surgery you'll want to make sure you have enough pain meds to last you long enough until you are cleared to drive again (unless you have someone to go to the pharmacy for you).

Ice pops and other frozen treats are great for the sore lumpy feeling you'll have in your throat. It will hurt to swallow for at least a week or more. If you live alone or will be alone most of the days, stocking up on foods that are microwavable or ready-to-eat with little preparation is a great idea. Also, rearrange things in your kitchen prior to surgery so that all items can be reached without lifting your arms above chest level...you won't be able to raise your arms after the surgery and trust me, you won't want to ....lol. Buy milk and other beverages in smaller containers since they are much lighter and your lifting will be limited to just a few pounds. I was told to lift nothing that weighed more than my purse...lol...(I guess my OSS has never lifted a woman's purse before...LOL...it can get pretty heavy).

Sleeping lying down can be a (painful) challenge immediately after the surgery, so if you have a good recliner, it will become your best friend! Even a good swivel rocker will do since you can just prop it up in the leaning back position. I was unable to get in and out of bed for a few weeks since you can't (and won't want to) use your arms to push yourself in and out of bed. Another thing that I found to be wonderful was a good cervical pillow like the memory foam one...it gives great support while wearing that collar 24/7!

Also, if you are anything like me and have ants in your pants and get bored easily, make sure you stock up on video's, books, or any other hobby type things that you can do with little effort. I think Blockbuster made a mint off me this past summer...LOL

Another thing to consider is whether you are using donor bone or your own graft from your hip...when using your own bone, you will find that your hip is just as sore as your neck and shoulders, so you may want to move to a room that is on the ground floor for a couple weeks. My bedroom is upstairs and I managed, but it was uncomfortable, painful and slow going when using the stairs at first.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. If I remember anything else, I will come back and post it.

Best wishes & good luck to you both,

Kim