I'm 17 days out from my ACDF C4-C7. I've had to sleep in a recliner due to swelling. I had steroids in the hospital and during the first week of recovery. Now I'm feeling worse than before. I feel a lump in my throat and I can barely sleep for 45 minutes at a time because my brain thinks it's important to breath. I can breath well normally. To top it off I have sleep apnea.

I tried Tylenol, pain meds, and muscle relaxers. Anything else I can try before calling my doctor tomorrow? My post-op appointment is Tuesday and I can't wait that long. I am miserable, tired, and cranky. My wife inturn is miserable. Help me, help my wife, by helping me. Any suggestions?

TL;DR: I have sleep apnea and can't breath at night. My wife is tired of my shit. Help?

UPDATE: thank you everyone for your feedback. I forgot to mention I'm still in my neck brace. Last night I decided to tighten it to open my airway/throat more and slept like a baby. I don't know what this means, but I will bring it up to my doctor.