2 Levels of fusion

I had C5-C7 fusion 2.5 weeks ago at Mt. Sinai Hosp. in NY with one of the top spinal neurosurgeons.  I considered disc replacement first, but being 47 years old I didn't need it to pop out sometime in the next 40 years.  Just living with that fear would would ruin the quality of anybody's life.  The surgery was much easier than I expected.  I was up and about the next day and was allowed to go home.  The right arm and neck pain was gone. Throat and swallowing pain have subsided.  But getting different achy pains all over my body..achilles heels, forearms, slight tingles in my left toe.  Starting to get my strength back.  My main concern is after sitting in a chair for 30 minutes my neck/back hurt on the left side.  This is something new.  It is early in my recovery and I hope months from now I will report all is well.  I know I won't be pitching for the Yankees but I hope to be able to resume sports down the road.  I wore a soft neck collar for the first 2 weeks and a hard collar when I was in a car.  Now I am told by my Dr. just to wear the soft collar when I am driving.  Pre-surgery I was not happy abut having to wear a collar but it isnt bad at all.  I got used to it.  This isn't a success story yet, but I hope to be in the 96% of successful surgeries by next time I post.

[Dr Sharma]

Dear Markep, welcome to the med help forum. I hope you are recuperating well. It is anticipated to have pain after surgery at the incision. One can also have pain in the neck or arms due to inflammation of compressed nerves secondary to the disc prolapsed. It will take time to become better with the nerve healing.  You could ask your physician to prescribe analgesics according to the degree of pain.  Try moist heat and frequent change of position. If you had preoperative symptoms of tingling and numbness, these will take time to go away. You must be careful about the correct method of using the cervical collar. You can gradually increase the amount of walking each day. If you are uncomfortable, try to change positions frequently. Consult your neurologist if tingling in toe persists.
You are welcome with further clarifications.
Wish you a speedy recovery.