I had translab and I have to tell you - I anticipated feeling like I'd been hit in the head with a sledge-hammer - and surprisingly - I didn't have any pain at all. Now, mind you, I don't remember the first day in the hospital at all, so I'm guessing I was pretty out of it, but after day 2 I didn't need anything more than tylenol for pain. I think I was one of the fortunate few to feel that well. The first few days, everyone says they feel pretty bad, but as soon as you are able to start moving around, it seems to progress from there pretty quickly. I'm not going to say you'll feel like your old self, but at least hopefully, you'll feel human again and that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
The nurses should be keeping a pretty good eye on you, at least the first couple of days and they'll do a good job at helping you keep any pain under control. I don't know if there's any difference in pain after retrosigmoid compared to translab, so you might want the opinion of someone who had the same thing.
My surgery took 11 hours. I know 12 hours on an operating table can sound scary - but this isn't something you want them to rush through. It's nice to know they are taking their time and making sure everything is done right. And you'll probably get the longest nap of your life through it all.
As far as leaving it there, my non-professional opinion would be - heck, no, but if you have any doubts, make sure you get another opinion( from another doctor, I mean...) Sounds to me like you have a minimum of problems related to it now so best to have it out before it starts causing real havoc.
I agree with 16 that everyone's recovery time is different, but the fact that you are healthy to start out with should help you along the road.
Good luck to you, tell your husband to hang in there and make sure you let us know how you're doing!
Lori