Hi Berylyboo. I am now 16 weeks post op after c4-c7 fusion. I did really well ( the normal post operative pain) for the first 8 weeks. After that I have had some recurrance of numbness and new pain. I returned to work only three weeks after surgery and am certain this was way too soon. I had the titanium plate and screws and required only a soft collar for support. I had severe impingement on my spinal cord for about 2 weeks prior to the surgery. I have been going to PT for the past month or so but having some muscle spasms, toothache type pain in my left arm, and even nausea. Some days are better than others. Sleeping is difficult still...Everyone is telling me it will take 18 months to be really healed...good luck, don't over do, and get plenty of rest!