Hello! I had an ACDF for C4-5 in May of 2023. It was done as outpatient surgery. I went into the OR at 7:30. At 10:30, I was moved out of recovery and into a holding room. I stayed there until 2:30PM when I was discharged and my wife drove me home. The surgeon suspected that "some" of my balance issues may be related to the bulging disc at C4-4. The balance issues that I believe to be mostly related to the neuropathy in my feet did not improve after the ACDF. All went well with the recovery. The scariest part, honestly, was that they were going in through the front of my throat...(seemed "creepy" to me, too).... but then the surgeon explained that it is MUCH easier for him to access the cervical spine through the front. They do have to pull the esophagus to the side, and that causes the soreness after surgery... and the difficulty swallowing, which, for ME, lasted just a few days. One tip I will share that someone gave me... when you swallow, hold your chin down toward your chest. I was amazed at the difference that made for me. I made sure to eat soft foods during the first few days afterwards and really had no problem. Each of us is different... and the number of levels being fused will certainly make a difference... but the incision in the front was not the big deal I had feared it would be. And I was surprised that I was going home 7 hours later! I wish you ALL THE BEST if you decide to go through with this surgery... and I hope you will share afterwards if it does, indeed, improve your balance issues. Mike