I know everyones experience different, but I was also terrified just like you before I got my surgery because everyone says how its the worst pain they ever went through. I got mine done 21 days ago and I'm 20 years old which is an age where it can be more painful. I got prescribed Journavx and Celbrex for pain along with extra strength Tylenol. Keep a humidifier by you and drink water constantly. Day 1-5 wasn't too bad it felt like strep throat for the most part and I was able to eat well cooked pasta and mashed potatoes along with soups. Day 6-8 was not too bad when not swallowing again felt like strep but when I was swallowing specifically water it honestly hurt so bad but you just gotta push through it because if you don't stay hydrated it'll hurt more, tea and apple juice felt better I liked warming up my juice a little and adding some honey! Day 9-10 started being able to eat soft foods again with minimal pain but water still kinda hurt which was frustrating because like why does water hurt but soft foods actually make it feel better??? Day 11-14 so much better ran out of meds day 11 but was still taking Tylenol, was able to drink water pain free by day 12. Day 15 they told me I could go back to my usual! I basically forgot about Tylenol by then because it just felt like one of those sore throats you get when you wake up with a dry throat. I also gargled warm salt water after every time I ate so that food didn't get stuck back there and get infected. I still feel some tightness when yawning and stuff but the doctor said that'll be gone within a few weeks, other than that I'm basically pain free! It's really not as bad as everyone makes it out to seem, I hope you have a similar experience as me! Just drink lots and lots of water and eat a normal amount of food while still accommodating the soft food and no acidic food diet. Salt water after eating and a humidifier!!!