First, I would like to say thank you to everyone who encouraged me and provided support. You will never know how much I appreciate this site and the people here.
I had to be at UNC Hospital at 6:00am and my surgery was the first on the schedule. I was terrified beyond words as you all know. When I first woke up, I remember thanking God that I could no longer feel the nail in my throat that had caused so much pain for the past several months. My surgeon kept me over night. The first day, I was given pain medications and a liquid diet. My pain has been controlled. I just took my first oxycodone since coming home yesterday. I have been taking tylenol and ibuprofen. My neck area and ear are sore which is to be expected. I have now graduated to a soft diet of pudding, grits, cottage cheese, avocodo, and smoothies. I am taking a stool softener each morning and night. So far, so good. I am just taking things very slow…on couch, watching TV, and very short walks outside just for fresh air. Hopefully, with God’s help, I will continue to improve. I just wanted to give you all a quick update on how things are going. Again, thank you so much and God bless you.
So glad that you were able to have surgery, & great that you’ve noticed the pain in your throat has gone! That’s amazing! Keep taking it easy & God bless 
This is wonderful news, luv4pj! We’ll have to add Dr. Patel’s name to our list. That’s who you said did your surgery, correct? I remember he works w/ Dr. Hackman.
Listening to your body is absolutely mandatory for a speedier recovery. Rest when it says to & don’t overdo when you’re feeling good - at least not for a couple of months after surgery. Sounds like you’re doing all the right things.
Praying for you to heal quickly.
Prayers for quick healing and kudos for bravery.
Doctors list updated 
Just wanted to give an update on my recovery. It has now been 9 days since my surgery. I am still having swelling on the surgical side and some ear pain. My throat is still a little sore. I am still able to manage pain with Tylenol and Advil. I went for a walk around the block again today. The “nail in my throat” is gone and that is truly a blessing. Still eating a soft food diet but I have not had any jaw pain for trouble chewing like some others. My steristrips are still in place where my incision in located. I do not go back for a followup until August 4th, which seems like a long time to me. The best advice I can give anyone is to pray and God will be with you. I believe with all my heart that the prayers I received helped me through this. My recovery is still ongoing and I pray every day.
So glad that you’re recovering well, & that the nail-like pain in your throat has gone…hopefully in time your other symptoms & swelling will disappear too! God bless
Forgot to say in the UK all follow-up appts are for 6 weeks post op, so the timing seems fine to me, as long as you have some-one you can contact if there are any problems in the meantime…
So glad you took the jump and had surgery and that you are recovering nicely! Im 12 weeks out and still have some of this ear pain lingering which is testing my patience. It takes time so be patient with the healing process.