I had all cervical disks using posterior approach for spinal cord compression done in 2001, then in 2003 I had ananterior approach done to the same disks, removed, cages put in and a rod holding the whole thing up. Each surgery was 12 hours and a recovery period of three months, Plus Miami J Brace for recovery period. These were heavy duty and I was placed in ICU for a few days before being sent to a regular room. The outcome was good the pain was reduced, to a pain level I coulod live with. Will your surgeon consider dividing it into 2 surgeries? Good luck to you - you must be in a lot of pain.