@miked77 @jenniferhunter - How can I help?

I had a C4-C7 ACDF in Feb of 2023. The diagnosis included about every bad thing I could have wrong in my cervical region. The procedure was very straight forward from a patent's perspective. I went into the OR early in the afternoon, returned to recovery early in the evening. I stayed in my room for less than 24 hours and was discharged the next afternoon wearing a neck brace. Unlike Jennifer - I opted for hardware to be installed so I only wore the neck brace for 5-6 weeks.

Recovery was smooth and not difficult. Of course my physical activity was restricted but the only discomfort was my throat/esophagus which has to be "pushed out of the way" to get to the cervical spine. There was some residual inflammation and discomfort in that region. I took aspirin only after the first 24 hours.

I am almost 18 months post-ACDF and feel fine. The scar is nearly invisible. My neck's range of motion is permanently restricted by the plates that were installed - but the range I have now is better than it was before surgery. All cervical pain and symptoms are gone - making the challenges of my surgery well worth it.

As a side note - I also had similar surgery in the lumbar region which was much more difficult. Best of luck. What questions can I address for you?