I had c3 4 5 6 done 5 years ago. I was in 4 days, has a great deal of trouble swallowing. Sent home with a J collar, a soft one for showers. Had one on all the time. I had plenty of pain meds, was told not to wait till the pain got bad, it was easier to stop pain at a lower level. So true! Couldn't drive for 6 weeks.

I really don't remember any other problems, I have good ROM now

other things have gone wrong with my spine now, some related to the fusion, I'd do it again.