Quite honestly, this was the least painful but most challenging surgery I've ever had. The first few days are the most uncomfortable (but not necessarily painful) because the pain syrup can make you feel nauseous. Making yourself not cough is a huge challenge. Not talking for a month is the biggest challenge. You will basically need to change the way you communicate and the older you are and the more you use your voice on a daily basis, the more challenging it will be to keep silent.
Be sure to keep a notebook handy and make some little signs and attach them to the pages of your notebook so you're ready to respond to most questions!