I knew for 2 weeks before DS was born that I would be having a c/s. The first week I was upset and stressed about the operation and the pain afterwards, but was lucky enough to have an extra meeting with a doula and calmbirth practitioner and I think she helped me no end in getting my head in the right place. I have no doubt that helped with how I felt afterwards. Sure, there was discomfort and tenderness but I wouldn't say terrible pain.
I was up and about looking after DS, showering, walking around the ward etc. 6.5 months on I still have tenderness in certain areas, so I don't know that I would say I recovered quickly but I did feel lucky that I was able to get up and about and do as much as I did with only a little discomfort.
If I did feel pain, it was usually due to laughing or coughing and not bracing my tummy quickly enough!