Unfortunately, the only tips I can give for pain relief is the medication. I was taking a ton of it before I finally decided to have the surgery. It got to the point that the pain from the GN, and the side effects from the medication were both equally bad. I like not having the pain now. But I am also thrilled to not be taking a ton of medicine. I never had the taste problem that others seem to have. If the pain is that bad, I would strongly consider surgery.