I won't soft soap it - the pain is pretty intense however, the pain meds make it tolerable. Aside from making it tolerable, they put you to sleep. I have to admit, I don't even remember much of the first day; probably the effect of anesthesia. I stayed on the pain pills, 24 hours a day, for 4 days. After that I took a pill or two each day. Originally, I planned to go back to work on Tuesday, Monday is Memorial Day. I have changed my plan and will take next week off as well. That will be a total time off work for me of 2 weeks and 2 days. I have heard that most people go back after one week. That did not happen for me. I could probably push myself and go back now but I wouldn’t be comfortable and I would not be productive. I think they deserve to have me back in 100% condition. I deserve to stay at home until I feel 100%.