Emgreen, I too, had major abdominal surgery at the end of November. A 10" long incision from my breast bone to the top of my pubis! I can't imagine going home without giant pain meds!! Yes, like you, I had to have the big guns as far as pain relievers for my 5 days in the hospital. Once I went home I took the oxycodone as directed but under the supervision of my spouse. I haven't had anything stronger than Advil for over a month now and I'm ok.

I'm well practiced at playing the tape through, I never want to go back to where I was! I will always fiercely protect my sobriety!! But since they went traipsing all through my guts removing various parts and lymph nodes I had to go home with adequate pain relief or that could have triggered drug seeking behavior for me.