I am being fused from C1-C3, and if there is any tips of helping out?

@aidesarah
Do you have someone driving you there and back? After this surgery, you usually cannot drive yourself for at least 2 weeks while on pain medications and if you are wearing a neck brace (cannot turn your head to check mirrors and behind you easily).

I had c5-c6 fused and now need c6-c7 fused in May. They will be taking out old hardware and putting in new to fuse/secure c5-c7 together. My surgeon told me it can take a full 3 months to fuse and another 3 months to full feel the benefits of surgery in reducing symptoms.

While at home, set up bed with lots of support pillows and everything you think you will need day to day next to your bed. Have grabbers and shower setup for when you are able to shower/bath with grab bars and non-slip mats. Pay all bills in advance for several weeks, stock up on regular medications/food/household supplies in advance and get help with any pets.

You won’t be able to lift heavy things for some time so move what you need to before surgery or get help afterwards. Make sure to stop any medications or supplements needed before surgery (as advised by your surgeon/doctors), eat healthy leading up to surgery and stay well hydrated. Do some meal/food preparation prior to surgery to make meals easier once home.

I am having mine dad driving me up there. Insurance just gave us the hotel we’re staying at. Homewood. It has a mini kitchen with it.

@aidesarah Welcome to Connect. I have made the same drive to Mayo from the Chicago suburbs for spine surgery. Have shoes you can slip into easily. You can put elastic shoelaces into gym shoes. You won't be able to bend your neck to look down at your feet. Have loose clothing and perhaps a shirt with buttons that doesn't need to pull over your head in a neck brace. Have extra pillows for the car ride so you can try to be comfortable and rest. You may want some fillable ice packs to help with pain. Pack light. You won't be able to lift much at all. You may want some throat lozenges because the front approach will cause throat pain. Have food that is easy to eat like apple sauce and easy to swallow. Ice cream may help a sore throat. Drink lots of water. The anesthesia and pain drugs cause constipation, so do your best to stay ahead of that. I had bandanas to fold and put under my chin in the neck brace so I could have clean fresh cloth there. The padding on the neck brace will need to be washed frequently. Make sure to walk to avoid blood clots and use the breathing exercise device to avoid getting a respiratory infection after surgery.

Thank you for that.

Follow instructions carefully, I had C2 to C7 done and wore a Miami J collar for 3 months. Good Luck!