I've had two c-sections. The first was not any big deal, I was walking that night, I was home in 3 days, and changing the sheets on the bed (DON'T do this, I was really stupid for doing it but I felt so good I didn't think anything of it.)
The second one was harder, but not awful. I think it was because my baby was so huge. He was 10 lbs and 3 weeks early. :/ I bled more with that one and was more uncomfortable.
BUT... I only needed Tylenol and Advil for the pain after both surgeries. The first one, I had epidural anesthesia because I labored first, and that was, I think, better, only because they left it in for a day after the surgery and it really helped with pain. The second one, I had a spinal, which was great for pain relief but it wore off soon after surgery.
I highly recommend you get a book, there is one that's really good but the name escapes me... Everything About a C-Section, or What if I Have a C-Section? Search on Amazon and you will surely find it. I wish I had that book before my first, just to know what to expect. :)
Seriously, it's not all that bad. Your attitude about it will greatly affect your recovery. It's not ideal, but it's NOT all that bad, and you get a healthy baby afterward. What better outcome is there? :)