I did not take anything before, and it hurt like blue blazes for a very short time, just enough time for me to scream bloody murder (which I looked at as a benefit because I had never before been able to do that in a public place without censure). Seriously, the severe pain was probably not more than 2-3 seconds if that long. It was a little sore afterwards, but I still didn't need any meds. Healed quickly. Given what many of us have been through, this is way down on the list of stuff for which we have to be tough. Don't get too wound up about this, as it just isn't worth the worry because it is over so fast. Good luck!