Welcome to Neuro Talk. I found this site, pretty much in the same condition you are in. This surgery, can and does help alot of people. I had mine done two years ago. C3-7. I hope you have someone at home that can help for a few days. It does alot of good to have prepared meals, lots of stuff to drink. I took it real easy those first two weeks. I stayed in the hospital a day or so longer than what was recommended for pain issues. I was alright once I got home. Consider an elevated sloped pillow. It is also called a Wedge. This helped me more than any other thing to get confortable while I was in the neck collar. Sleep as much as you can. Let me know if there are any specific thing you are wanting to know. I wish you all the best, and a good recovery. ginnie