Total thyroidectomy information wanted

Lucky me, i am having a total thyroidectomy on the first of July, and while i know the technical side of it, i do not know the patient side of it so i am wondering if there is anyone out there who has had this surgery or knows someone close who did. Specifically what your/their experience was. I just want to go into the trenches fully armed if you know what i mean. A great big thank you to anyone who shares their stories with me. And dont worry, ive been having trouble with swallowing and pain so long i am really looking forward to getting it out!!