I also know what you mean about being nervous about the surgery--I was totally nervous! But they put the anaesthesia in and that was it, the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. It is true that it is hard to talk after the surgery, but I guess it is better not to speak too much anyway to give your mouth a chance to rest and heal. I am also pretty swollen, I was hoping my surgeon would let me use arnica montana and bromelain because I read on AW that they helped with swelling a lot, but he said no to herbs as long as I'm on narcotic pain relievers and all, so I guess I will stay swollen for now.
Also, definitely make sure you have some vaseline, really good chapstick and maybe neosporin with pain reliever for your lips/mouth area because this area will get quite dry after surgery. iborg: Thanks for your good thoughts and good luck to you with getting your July surgery date!
Be sure to have help when get up for a few days, as I understand passing out can happen - did to me.
I've only taken the pain meds once to sleep, and i'm not even taking the Tylenol anymore (mostly because it's really gross)