My c-section was with my first. I didn't really have any pain afterwards except for a big backache and a headache something awful. I wanted Tylenol for the headache, but had to wait 24 hours for some reason to get it. The staff insisted every c-sec get up and walk the same day, that was pretty difficult, but it was the way it was done there overseas. (They also kept c-sections mothers and babies in the hospital for one week because we lived so far from the hospital. Moms who lived on base stayed 3 days.) I was told not to drive until my 6 week check and not to lift anything bigger than my baby either.
Recovery was good for me, no complications and minimal pain; I was sore for a long time though. Getting up for me, from the bed wasn't easy. They suggested a pillow to hold over the tummy for getting up and rolling over. It also helped to keep the baby from kicking me while nursing lying down.
I'm glad my hubby was around the first week I was home and came home everyday for lunch after that. I remember feeling so much better at 6 weeks; even the second week felt much better, but doing anything took so much time and effort. You'll be moving slowly so as not to stress your incision and in all honesty, that was the only way I could move for a few weeks. Both of my neighbors also had c-section two weeks before me and they had different experiences. Expect the worst and hope for the best, but don't over do it.
*Plan for some help.
*Freeze meals if you can and plan for help.
*A list on the refrigerator or on-line will allow those who have a little time to pick something that fits them and lessens your load.
C-sections are very common and rest assured that everything will be okay. I was surprised that it wasn't as horrible as I envisioned.