@mimidpistilli Welcome to Connect. I was about your age when I found out I had spinal cord compression form a ruptured cervical disk with bone spurs. I too was shocked. It took me awhile to find a surgeon willing to help because I had some misunderstood symptoms. You might want to consider some other opinions. There are surgeons who will do fusions of bulging discs that may not be that bad. Other surgeons may offer different opinions on how many levels need surgery or different hardware options for fusions. With 4 levels, there may not be artificial disks cleared for this. I have heard of Mobi -C artificial disks being used on 2 consecutive levels. All procedures have risks and limitations so you need to find out and look at the benefit vs the risk of a less optimal result. Getting other opinions that agree with the first, would tell you that your first was valid. You have one chance to get this right in the surgeon and procedure you choose, and you can't undo this. Find the best surgeon you can with a good reputation that you trust. I saw your other post about having osteopenia. Bone quality is important when they screw anything to the spine. I had a cervical fusion of just one level done with no hardware; just a bone graft and I stayed in a neck brace for 3 months until fused.

As for swallowing, the first 3 weeks hurt and it was like half of my throat didn't know what to do. I can swallow fine, but I think the awareness of when something is in the wrong place isn't the same as it was before surgery. I have to be more careful now or I can swallow wrong. I am 8 years post op.

After surgery, it will be a long time before your surgeon will let you lift any weight. Exercise that pounds the spine like running probably isn't a good idea, but low impact exercise like walking helps oxygenate the body and helps your spine heal after surgery.

I was also scared of surgery. It was my biggest fear, but I got through it. You may be interested in this discussion about overcoming fear.

Just Want to Talk - "How can I defeat my anxiety about medical tests and surgery?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-defeat-my-anxiety-about-medical-tests-and-surgery/
Did your surgeon explain why they recommended 4 levels and show you the problems on your imaging?

I also had an ACDF C4-C7 in October 2023 with a very similar diagnosis - severe foraminal stenosis with bilateral nerve impingement on C5/C6. I waited 2 years after original diagnosis and tried everything before surgery. I carefully selected my Neurosurgeon that was highly recommended and rated in my area. I was 63 at the time of the procedure, very active and the gym was my second home. I will say the recovery for me has not been linear and I definitely am feeling better, however I’m learning the biomechanics of my body have changed. I do have muscular imbalances in my neck and upper back. I have done myofascial release, massage, 10 months of PT and now working on the mind body aspect of recovery. I retired early a year before my surgery due to the stress and issues with my neck. I’ve learned many ways to approach life in a gentler environment and way to live. Everyone’s recovery is different. You cannot compare it to anyone else’s. Spine surgery is also a surgery that impacts the central nervous system. I really had no choice but to have the procedure due to the impact of the bone spurs on the nerves and potential damage to the spinal cord. For me this recovery took longer than I expected. But the fusion is successful and I’m blessed. The best thing is to go into the procedure in the very best health you can, continue with a good diet and do your best. I wish you the best and I understand it’s a difficult decision.