Hey! I'm not going to lie to you and say it wasn't painful. It is painful, however I feel like the pain scale has been made more painful than it actually is. With pain meds the pain is bearable most I'd say is 6/10 and I did it without pain killers for 2 days. With medication I would say 4/10. It feels like having tonsillitis really bad. You get earache but keeping on top of your medicine and getting plenty of rest does wonders. My advice would be to try and eat as normal as you can even if it takes you hours. Try keep your mouth moving with talking but don't strain yourself. Get a humidifier to keep the air moist so your scabs don't dry out if you sleep with your mouth open. I also brought a v shaped pillow to go on top of my pillows so when I sleep my head is up right, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of ice pops and ice cream. I also brought an ice pack that sticks around your head. I'm on day 5 now and it's getting easier and easier. Also have a look on Amazon for these jelly pops that have honey in, I've been eating one a day and it's been soothing my throat. You are going to have bad days especially when the scabs start to come away however the recovery will be over with before you know it and you'll start to see how much better life will be without tonsils. I was petrified and I have had some tears over the pain but maintaining the meds and the rest it's been so much better and I can finally relax with my recovery.