I took Ibubrofin the day after surgury.After that no meds were needed at all.I could immediately tell a difference in the pain.

I took it easy for a couple days,and within a week I did pretty much what I wanted to.Like lots of fishing everyday.The silvers were running hard at that time.
But kinda made sure not to put myself in a position to put a lot of stress on my neck.Except for the little story thats next.

I was sturgeon fishing off the bank this side of the Astoria bridge a couple weeks after surgury.Slipped on a rock,and landed flat on my back hard! I was almost afraid to move I hit so hard.But once I got up I was fine.I hit so hard I figured if anything would mess me up again that would have.I have a small metal plate in my neck with 4 screws.They did their job.

It seems like it takes 2-3 weeks for the bone graft to start fusing.At the end of 3 months it should be almost completely fused.

I went back to work 3 months after surgury.And I'm sure I could have done it sooner.I work as a carman for the railroad.Its a lot of hard heavy work.And being in akward positions. My neck was pretty sore for the first week of work.Mostly from the time off I think. After that I was fine.

I did have the sore throat and a little bit of a hoarse voice for awhile.They have to move all that stuff off to the side to get access to the site.If they go through the front of the neck.