Hi there, it was a one year journey for me, so understand. Everything your surgeon said is true, I wear my collar all the time, I take it off for a few minutes in the shower when my husband rinses my hair for me, I still need help showering. One week later I am just starting to get a bit of strength, very little. It felt like I gothitby a truck the first few days. Get everything you need ready ahead of time, put in a little basket by your bed, lots of ice chips, lozenges, Popsicles, jello, soft foods. Keep up with your pain meds, don't wait until you hurt, take them on schedule or earlier.

I had great nurses, and loved my neurosurgeon, so that made me feel comfortable, and they gave me a sedative as soon as I got to the hospital and that also helped.

If you have any questions, just ask, I have to stop typing for a bit now, I get sore quickly.

Good luck, you will do fine, think POSITIVE it helps!!!
God bless
Cathie