Dave -- I can relate very strongly to what you are going through. I had my ACDF last Wednesday morning (2-level C4/5, C5/6). Usually I handle things like this pretty casually, but I was a nervous wreck beforehand. Here is my brief "play by play" --

Arrived at hospital at 5:45 AM for 7:45 AM surgery. Usual drill -- into the stupid gown, get the IV set, interview by the nurses, then wife allowed to come back. Visits from operating nurses, anesthesiologist, Neurosurgeon -- using donor bone, Atlantis plate. About 7:20 they gave me a shot to "relax", and at 7:30 I was off to the OR. Vaguely remember being moved to the table in the OR, but not much else.

Next thing I knew it was 10:30 and I was in Recovery Room. Nodded right back off, and came to about 11:15 in my hospital room. No brace. Just big bandage on neck, IV hookup, Oxygen hookup. Family there. No real pain, but aware of stiffness and very sore throat. Got ice chips and water about noon, and some ice cream about 3:00.

Rest of the day and night is pretty much a haze -- periodic morphine via my IV, lots of sleep. Up to try to use bathroom several times, with no success. Not much sleep overnight -- just enough discomfort, plus interruptions for vitals, meds, etc. They also ended up doing a catheter at about 5:00 AM, which was not fun, but not as bad as I feared.

Soft breakfast and switched me to Vicodin. Throat still very sore, difficult swallowing, bad spasms in upper back and shoulder. Gave me a muscle relaxant. They capped my IV, so I walked around hall several times. Spent most of the day up, with stiffness and sore throat the biggest complaints, with occassional spasm.

Dr. came at 5:00 PM, told me no bending, driving, twisting, lifting or extreme flexion or extension. Rx For Vicodin and relaxant, removed the IV and the big bandage on neck, and sent me home 34 hours after surgery.

Biggest problems at home were continued spasm and sore throat, swallowing problems. By today, Day 5, throat is considerably better, but spasms continue. Slept on recliner first two nights, but awoke very stiff. Moved to bed last two nights, and still have trouble finding good position.

So, at Day 5, throat is better, swallowing about 2/3 back, and spasms are somewhat better. Of course, I tend to overdo, and have been sitting or standing all day for the past three days.

In summary, the reality is not fun, but not nearly as bad as the anxiety I felt beforehand. Not driving until follow up appointment on 3/15 is going to be a pain, but what the heck.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jeff