Sorry your girlfriend has to have decompression surgery. I was fused C3-7. I had alot of help the first two weeks. The one thing I remember the most was when I took my medication and got enough relief to take a bath. As soon as she can move around a bit, that made me feel so much better. I think I had been home three days. Meal prep. is important. I didn't have an appetite, yet my friend made the things that kept my nutrition up. Allow alot of sleep and rest, comfort stuff. I also had a wedge, for me it helped me with my neck in bed. Getting comfortable was hard at first. Re-move any worries about the house and chores, and any holiday pressures. Without Stress you heal faster. I think the old rules of lots of TLC goes a long way. I hope her recovery goes well. I am glad she has such a caring partner in her life. ginnie