If you have difficulty breathing, feel tightness in your throat or inability to swallow, you may have “airway compromise” and is a medical emergency. Seek evaluation at once.
You should be using a hard collar at all times when not sleeping.
If sitting, use only a straight back chair to ensure proper support not to exceed a half hour at a time. You may increase your sitting time slowly.
Lie only on a firm mattress, no couches or recliner chairs.
Absolutely no bending, stooping, pushing sifting or straining.
Absolutely no driving for 6-12 weeks.
It’s normal to have sore throat/swallowing difficulty/hoarseness for several weeks.
Avoid housework, especially vacuuming and sweeping.
OK to cook, as long as you are not lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds.
Learn proper body mechanics to maintain a neutral spine position.
Increasing pain is a red flag telling you to rest.
DO NOT: Engage in strenuous activity for at least 10 weeks after surgery.