I learned to despise narcotics after being on them for an exceptionally long time. I titrated myself off, eventually. I now only take narcotics for 3 days max and only if absolutely necessary (unfortunately, I know if they will be necessary). I typically ask for Toradol, a muscle relaxer and a steroid combination. Toradol is a strong but short lasting (3 days-ish) anti-inflammatory, the muscle relaxer does just that to your mind and body, the steroid assista and speeds healing.
Pain takes less medication if you stay ahead of it, i.e., take the medication before you need it, before it becomes painful. If you wait till you feel pain, the amount you'll need is exponential.
I've been told I have a very high pain tolerance. I think there is only slight truth to that. I think it really boils down to me prefering non-traditional methods over narcotics. From taking narcotics, I personally learned just how much they screw (I first chose a different word, then remembered this is a fsmily forum) up your thinking. I literally got to the point of being mentally numb and not caring about anything, including the mortgage payment (thank God for my wife).
My opinion of taking narcotics for a short term, not more than a week but preferably much less, is if you absolutely need them, okay. My second to last surgery (it was serious) my doctor wanted to give me a month's supply. I told him I would only take them for 3 days, he laughed, but we agreed on a 1 week prescription, I never called for a refill as he expected. My next surgery with him I told him I already had a 4 day supply leftover from the last surgery, and I didn't use all of that. But I did use a muscle relaxer for 2 to 3 days after stopping the narcotic. I'm not a tough guy when it comes to real pain, I just prefer healthier ways to deal with pain than narcotics. But, we all make are own choices.
Best wishes!
