Unfortunately yes this can be completely normal to still be in pain. You have been thru a major surgery and it takes time to recover, especially after everything you have been thru. If you dont feel better when you are about at the 3 week post surgery point then check in with the doc. Dont worry too much about the pain meds you are taking, it does not help the patient at all to be in pain. Take what works when you need to and in another week - 10 days try to slowly switch over to Advil if you still need some pain meds. At that time, extend the time between doses an hour or 2 longer, then begin to substitute Advil and see if that works.

Best wishes with your recovery.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile