Man, I had c5/c6 total disk replacement (without the fusion) and I was back to work in 3 days and off pain meds pretty much the day after surgery. Sounds like the fusion is a rough deal.

I went back to see doctor last friday,took X-ray again. 1 plate with 4 screws on front side of the neck by the throat! That explain why I had trouble swallow and looking up and down.
Doctor want me to stay home 4 more weeks and see what happen, the recover so far so good and I don't have to wear neck brace anymore

I'm surprised at the number of people who have had neck surgery chiming in here. It seems like a high percentage to me. Is it the rough water boat riding?

Wow wish I had thought to consult my computer before my surgery.

In 2006 C3-C4 fusion with donor bone. Out by noon the following day, brace for first 3 weeks. Then I drove in it for another 3 weeks.

I'm still scared I'll wake up one day, bend over and my head fall off. The tingling in my arm still comes every now and then and my left hand cramps occasionally. I have another herniation at C5-C6 and I have no insurance so a rehab guy showed me a few exercises that I did regularly at first that helped A LOT. Now I've got some other health issues going and I'm not doing the routine, I can tell the difference within a week.