Hi lisa,
I did not have an epidural, just had general anesthesia. it was a year and a half to be exact. I was very fortunate. A team of excellent liver specialist did my surgery. don't worry, you will have a little discomfort but they will give you plenty of pain meds. the tube in your throat will in all likelihood be out when you are done. you just have a sore throat. the catheter is put in usually in the OR in my case, I was asleep. Sort of stings just a little when they take it out. you are wise to put off your work for a while. After the surgery, I was very tired and needed naps even 6 months after. I am good now, still have minor digestive issues with the wrong food. You will be fine and I will say a prayer for you. Modern medicine is very far along now. One piece of advice, take the pain medicine..Do not try to be stoic. I had a morphine pump and did not push as much as I should have. it is best to stay ahead of the pain. Take care iris