Question about pain related to surgery

I was reading in another post about pain medication and surgery. And it got me wondering. Do you have to take pain medicine if you go into surgery? That scares me. I don't like to take pain medicine, it always makes me feel all dopey and groggy. Is the pain bearable enough to not have to take it? I'm not into pain loving much, but I'd rather deal with a little pain than be on a lot of medicine. I'm not putting anyone down who wants medicine, I just don't like it for myself so i was curious if you had to have it or if anyone knew how bearable the pain was.

Amanda, Pain is subjective to each person. I also think what type of surgery you have makes a difference. I did alot of lamaze type breathing to keep from being knocked out all the time after surgery, but I also have had to use the narcotics they sent me home with to take the edge off the pain. Kelly

Hi Amanda, I have found that the less pain I have after surgery, helped me to be able to get around better. There are non narcotic meds, tramadol is one. Even when I have a migrain and we all know how bad they are, I don't have the strength or ability to cope or do anything. With no pain, everything is easier. I have had 4 abdominal surgeries and believe me they can keep you from wanting to do anything. It is your chose of course, with a Laproscopic you may not need anything more then extra strength tylenol. If the Dr. has to end up doing an open, you may be glad that the pain meds are available, so keep an open mind. If you don't need them that would be great. But think about it because you may find you will most likely need them at least for a couple of days in the hospital. May God guide you and bless you on your journey. Kathy