The amount of pain you are experiencing I think is normal. It hurts! Pain for me was a good 5-6 weeks. Percocet, and a muscle relaxant to prevent spasms called Soma is what I took. That greatly helped me, better than just percocet alone. Just keep taking it easy, don't over do while you heal. I remember I slept alot! If you have concerns that your pain is unusual or not going in the improvement direction, do call your doctor. Every day I seemed to get just a tiny bit better. I hope you do too. I am thinking and sending good thoughts your way. ginnie