Well, Wednesday is the day for my surgery. I am looking at C5/6-C6/7 right now with a possibility of C4/5 as well. Anyone have any wisdom for me?

I'm from the PN forum and a retired ER Trurma Nurse. It's hard but
if you need something to relax ask,if after your in pain tell them,that
old saying I can't read your mind is true..If you are afraid ask to speak
to a chaplain,they have seen and heard it all..But most of all I wish
you luck. If you haven't read Liza Janes papers take them with you,
Sue

I just had my surgery c6-7 last Thursday. I don't feel bad at all, all things considered. Definitely ask for the pain meds. I had a nice steady stream of Dilaudid and Valium that kept my pain level manageable. Don't be afraid to ask for anything, be it pain meds, ice chips, juice, whatever. Best of luck to you and the best I can tell you is that it's NOT as bad as some people make it out to be. Keep a positive attitude, and best of luck to you! Kelly

Two weeks out from my ACF with donor bone at C4/5. Pain pump at hospital. and even though I told them - twice - to give me Compazine or Promethazine FIRST, I happily upchucked everything after I came out of the recovery room until someone turned the pump down and gave me some Compazine, and an hour later I was dressed and ready to leave.
I took hydrocod 10-325's every 3 hours, and the anti-nausea drug every 6 hours for about 5 days. Then I spent a couple of days getting my digestion straightened out again, and I wear the soft collar 24/7 except to shower. I have no pain at the moment, but I am very careful to follow restrictions to the letter: I want this graft to heal properly. Oh, I know pain, it's a good friend of mine, I've had arthritis for 35 years. But I don't tolerate it any better than anyone else! Good luck! May your surgeon be brilliant and your nurses wide awake and caring.