Rick,

I have had the C3/C4 fused and the C5/C6. YES, you will be able to turn your head even if it is uncomfortable. It is the UPPER levels that control most of the mobility anyway. With both fusions I was able to turn my head albeit not that far as in turning around to look at something. But that will come back with time. More than likely you will be in a soft collar. I was allowed to take mine off for a shower and to sleep. But for the most part I kept it on. The should teach you how to get up and down when getting in and out of bed. I used a recliner during the first few weeks. But you WILL feel it pull and that will hurt. As far as pain goes, I wasn't in too much pain from the surgery itself. It was the spasms that got to me. But my NS had prescribed Valium which kicked those out. Other than that it was just Vicodin and/or Lortab. To me the whole ordeal, not once but twice, was not that bad. Again, it was the SPASMS! But everyone is different. On thing that helped me, since I have 3 dogs, is one of those grabby stick things. If I had to pick something off of the floor (usually their toys), I used it. But the doc will tell you what your restrictions are. And they will also tell you one of the best things you can do is to walk; a little bit each day and a little farther. But they will also let you know when you can begin that. After that or rather they should also give you a booklet or tell you what exercises to do when ready for them. BECAUSE...you will have to keep your muscles strong yet supple. I know that sounds odd and it is hard to do. But HINT...do them in a hot shower. Oh, and you might have steri strips across your throat. Just leave them be...they will fall off on their own. And no, the incision did not hurt at all! I know it sounds awful but I will say if I had to do it again, and I just might someday, I would. I don't regret it all. Oh, and you will need help for the first few weeks. The meds alone will make you very tired. But other than that you CAN manage. Good luck!