Hi DB7. I too am a newbie to this world, also glad that I found these kind folks. I had a fine needle aspiration that honestly, didn't hurt too much- she numbed the area beforehand. (ok, I turned green and almost passed out, but that's because I'm a wuss about stuff like needles. Have a feeling I'm going to have to get over that Real soon!) Last Thurs had a laryngoscopy. They did some looking around, and took some biopsies too. That was under general anesthesia, so painless until after, and even that was just a moderately sore throat. I wasn't given any pain meds, and only took some OTC Tylenol that night and the next day. I hope this helps. I get fitted with my mask tomorrow, so believe me, I fully understand your fear about all that you're going through as I am just now going through it myself. As have said, the wealth of knowledge on this forum has been invaluable in preparing me. I just have to ask..... Aston Martin fan???