Didn't really suffer, Mrs B, just got on with it really.
Had both hands done (separately thank goodness) a few years ago and a little finger earlier this year, and it's a doddle really.
The bad bit is not being able to drive (legally), for at least a month, but I'd recommend anyone should go about seeing their doc, getting on the list via the consultant, who will measure the decline in the digit/palm, and away you go!
Our JRT cleaned up my first one real good - just licked it for an hour and it was as clear as a bell!