The Pain was well, well worth it. Surgery was literally life-changing.
Fast-forward nearly 9 months: No pain, none. Im back fucking jogging again. I haven't been able to Jog in two years, and honestly had given up hope of ever doing so again. Shit walking itself was getting to be challenging.
First two months WB (weight bearing) were a Bastard. Basically had to learn how to walk again. Also had to deal with constant swelling and heel pain for a solid 4 months thereafter. Walked with a noticeable limp almost all summer. Wasn't fun. I played it smart, kept activity minimal and did alot of Physical Therapy in the pool. Helped immensely (funny, my Physical Therapist never mentioned hydrotherapy).
Now, 8 months later and no pain what so ever. No limping what so ever. No swelling what so ever. Maybe some slight irritation in my heel every once in a blue moon. But im damn near 100% recovered.
Worst part of everything was not being told nor prepared for Recovery. My Surgeon (who did an Excellent Job on my foot btw) basically left me with the impression I'd be cleared to Hike in May. Yea, definitely delt with excessive swelling, significant limping and frequent bouts of Pain up until September. He also never advised me of the fact that I would have to re-learn how to walk, and just how difficult/unnerving that process would be. That said, he fixed my foot but damn good; Im going to buy him a Christmas Present (seriously).
All-in-All I'd do it again in a heartbeat.