Yup, I have hardware and an x-ray card to carry through airport security. They fused it with bone from my hip - you too? They fused C4-C6. I have lupus & sometimes that can mess with healing - if my body thinks the fusion is an enemy & decides to attack it - thankfully that didn't happen & that's a prime reason I used my own bone.

My doc tends to be anal retentive - he admits it. Orthopaedic surgery = sterile carpentry.

When do you start physical therapy?