I got aches like that, reallly really bad, mostly on the right side before surgery, and still do a little. Meds didn't help except narcotics in a general way. Heat always helped me the most. Specifically, I use thermacare heat pads that stick on and you can walk around with them. I also use old-fashioned plug-in heat pads for when I'm in bed. I cover every part of my body that is having aches with heat.

hope that helps. let me know. luv, annie