Michael, glad to hear that the new painkiller is starting to help. I have had surgery for other problems and I didn't think that the staff had a clue about just how bad the pain was. I complained to the head of the hospital (can't remember his title) because I was taken off morphine after 12 hours and I should have been kept on it for at least 48 for my surgery. They gave me panedol and I couldn't even swallow it because the pain was so bad I was gagging. That was 4 years ago and I am still pissed off. It was a private hospital too and I was paying big bucks, not that that should mean better care, but really you expect it. Good for you for standing up for yourself. It is tough when you have just had major surgery and are really hurting. Stay strong. I am still sending those good thoughts your way. I am waiting to have my biopsy done and I have gone right off the word 'positive' at the moment. Good luck and best wishes.