I made it home alive! I'm in lots of pain, all bandaged up, and really out of it.
My neck, as a whole, hurts more than the incision itself--but the nurse said they had my head all jacked to the side during the surgery, so it'll be a while before it feels better.
The gauze stays for two days; no showering until then (lucky Rich!). But, I have a wonderful, wonderful bottle of vicodin!
Thanks for all the well wishes--I know they helped me out a lot. Only one lingering family member....once I kick my dad out, it's passout time for me!!