becky
i've had this surgery last april and i can tell you this. I would do it all over again if i had to .I just wish they would have done it sooner. I had several mig.headaches for years. I've only had about 2 mild headaches since then. surgery went fine with very little pain after surgery. it was instant relief for me. You will have some limits with movement of the neck but after awhile you don't even notice it. you can't pick up anything for about 6 wks after surgery so get you some help with the 2yr old.and housecleaning and cooking.depending what type of work you do whether you go back to work in 4-6-8 weeks. with my type of work 8 weeks.you will wear a neck brace for about 4wks all the time then only while up moving around for safty reasons till you go back to work or till the end of you dr. release. I myself wore mine till i went back to work all the time. and if i feel my neck is in alot of stress i wear it at night while i sleep and feel good as new again. i also had 4 bone spurs removed in my neck during this surgery. good luck and i hope this has help you in some way.