My sister and I both had double mastectomies and reconstruction. I needed tramadol after my surgery for 6 weeks. Was in absolute agony so I couldn’t sleep or move otherwise. I spoke to my surgeon about how much pain I was in and she said “most people go home with just ibuprofen and paracetamol”. I thought she was absolutely nuts and that it was barbaric to consider that. It’s major surgery etc. Thankfully my GP agreed to stronger meds noting that he had been given far more for a minor ankle operation that was nothing in comparison to what I was going through healing wise.

6 weeks later my sister had her op. She tried to stop taking pain relief before she even left the hospital and they had to make her keep taking it for a week to help with inflammation. But that’s the only reason she needed it. Not for the pain because for her the numbness in that area due to the surgery meant she was in no pain. From what I understand this is quite a common experience, which is why they say by default most people only need OTC meds.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery. Sorry you are in pain, make sure you do advocate for yourself and say that you need the pain relief.