I am facing anterior and posterior cervical decompression and fusion C3-C7 on August 12th and am scared to death. What should I expect? I have suffered severe chronic pain for over 20 years, with the last two becoming unbearable with the addition of neurological issues.

No one believed me. I never had an MRI until 1 month ago. I was told many times that there was nothing wrong with me...I just wanted drugs...you could not possibly hurt that bad...try meditation.

Finally found a doctor who listened. MRI results (short form):
Mild levoconvex cervical scoliosis, apex C4.
Grade I retrolisthes of C3 on C4.
A syrinx which extends from C2-T9 and is 4-6mm.
Facet degeneration and hypertrophy.
C4-C5 Large posterior disc bulge. Severe spinal stenosis. Severe right foraminal narrowing. Moderate left foraminal narrowing.
C5-C6 Posterior osteophyte. Mild spinal canal narrowing. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7 Posterior disc osteophyte complex eccentric to the left with a left foraminal component. Mild spinal stenosis. Moderate left foraminal narrowing.

Would love to hear from anyone who has undergone this 2 part surgery...