Hi ~ Bless your heart -- I wish you didn't have to have this done.

Please talk to your doctor about POST-surgery pain medication. You WILL need medication to help with the pain afterwards. While it isn't "agonizing" usually, it sure is enough that you need medication for it. You will probably need some help at home for the first week or so. You will not be able to do any cooking/cleaning, etc. You will be extremely tired too. You might make up some meals and freeze them so that all you have to do is heat them up.

Have a walker or cane handy as you will probably feel unsteady on your feet for the first few days. Having a commode by the bed might be handy too.

Sleeping may be difficult -- some doctors make you wear a neck brace 24/7, while others let you take it off at bedtime. But you probably WILL be wearing a brace for awhile.

When you wake up after surgery, you SHOULD notice that any numbness is gone. You will feel some pain -- it gets worse the 2nd & 3rd days as the anesthesia wears off. That's why you need the pain medication. Some people experience problems swallowing, while others don't have a problem at all. It's a wait & see thing. You should keep an eye out for any unusual drainage or swelling from the site. SOME drainage may be normal, but if it's excessive or "changes" make sure you let your doc know. Watch for any fevers too.

You cannot do any bending/twisting/lifting. Your doc should give you your limitations.

I wish you the very best -- and I hope this takes care of your issues! PLEASE let us know how you are as soon as you can after surgery, okay? Not only do we want to know, but it could help others who are looking at this same surgery! God bless & please take care. Hugs, Lee