Tony Overbay, LMFT, shares his personal experiences and insights leading up to and then following his Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery. He details the initial recovery process, including dealing with post-surgery pain, sleep issues, and medication. He also reflects on his hospital stay, interactions with medical professionals, and early adjustments to life post-surgery. Tony offers advice for others preparing for similar surgeries and highlights the importance of support systems and regular movement. Additionally, he discusses his concerns about potential addiction to pain medication and maintaining his mental health while managing a therapy practice. The video aims to provide comprehensive information and answer questions for anyone interested in the ACDF surgery process.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:46 Post-Surgery Reflections
01:28 Pain Management and Sleep Issues
03:41 Self-Employment Challenges
05:06 Weaning Off Opiates
05:52 Diet and Throat Recovery
07:08 Physical Activity and Recovery
08:27 Phantom Pain and Nerve Issues
12:45 Hospital Experience and Discharge
22:35 Post-Discharge Reflections