Teppy, how was sleep last night?
Honestly pretty decent. Based on all the stuff I read about recovering at home, I had expected to sleep in the recliner, but I slept in bed just fine with a soft collar — basically a neck travel pillow [link] And I’m sure the drugs helped.
My neck muscles are sore today, but I knew to expect that. And my throat is sore, but I also knew to expect that. I honestly feel pretty good. But I also have a lot of napping on today’s schedule.
How are you tolerating the collar?
Oh! The surgeon said I don't need to wear it at home at all if I don't want to, since I only had 2 levels fused. The more vertebrae you have fused, the more important it is to wear the hard collar. He said I do need to wear it if I leave the house (which I don't anticipate doing, at least for the next several days), and I can wear it if I feel like I need a lot of support/stability. Right now it seems like everything is fine without it, so for now, no hard brace.