Surgery on Thursday what to expect?

So quite unexpectedly the hospital contacted me today offering me ACDF surgery on my neck on Thursday. I had a pre op a few months back so I understand the operation etc It's what happens after that I'm trying to find out. If you have had neck or any similar spinal surgery what was your experience? What would you have changed or avoided? How was your pain and recovery afterwards? I already have pain, weakness and numbness in my neck, left shoulder, arm and left leg. It's been like that for 18 / 19 months and has progressively got worse. I have been waiting for the surgery now for 14 months. Whilst I don't envisage ever being 'normal' again I'm hopeful that long term it will help at least reduce pain and my reliance on painkillers so I can work back to some level of health / fitness - is that realistic? TIA