@strongwoman
I have posted a couple of times to the Mayo site primarily about my upcoming neck surgery and the revelation via DEXA scan (routine one) prior that I was moving quickly to osteoporosis after inactivity due to a complicated knee replacement. Subsequently my posts were regarding the Tymlos I started upon recommendation of my neurosurgeon who hooked me right into his bone specialist NP. Incidentally have been on Tymlos going in the third month now with no noticeable side effects.

But - I am now 9 days post surgery for a cervical reconstruction of C3-T1. I have had two other cervical surgeries (2008 & 2018). The first one anterior and the 2nd posterior. I, too, had difficulty swallowing because of the plate with the 1st one which resolved pretty much (or I adjusted!), none with the second and a few swallowing issues with this one also having speech therapy do swallowing test, recommending chewing more with sips of liquid frequently between bites. I have a residual cough related to the swelling and swallowing which I hope will resolve.
My pain is minimal if any at home. Tylenol occasionally. Have to wear neck brace 3 months. I send photos of my suture line periodically to the doc prior to my staple removal just to make sure healing is on track with no infection. I can remove my neck brace fro personal grooming and eating. I sleep in neck brace otherwise am in it most of each day. I cut my hair rather short so I didn’t have to muck much with that afterwards. Avoiding looking up and down (easy to do with neck brace!) or side to side. No lifting anything over 8 lbs.

I sense a little resolution in some of my prior symptoms I think. But at 74, I feel grateful to have whatever symptom abatement I can get and blessed if the symptoms don’t get any worse over time. My children were grown when I had my first surgery so having little ones certainly adds another dimension to physical recovery! Best of luck with your upcoming August 5th surgery. I will hold you up in prayers! I, too, sense that you are a ‘strong woman’.