I promise you it is not as bad as it sounds. You will have ache and soreness, but no pain. I was intensive care 5 days with 4 Tylenol every 4 hours. I came home to an empty house (I live alone) and it was fine. You just cannot lift, twist or bend for awhile. My shoulder surgery was 10x worse. Just cook some meals ahead of time and be prepared to rest. Good luck!