Dotsie,
I don't think you need to fear taking percocet for pain. The anecdote for pain medication is pain. It's when you take it when you have no pain that you get high and some get hooked.

It's important that you get relief because the pain causes you to tense your muscles which constricts the blood vessels and slows healing.

When I told my doctor the pain was keeping me awake, he insisted I take the pain medication especially at night so my joint would heal. Of course, like you, it did not help at all at first, but later I was able to take it and get some much needed sleep.

You might try Aleve. It's a non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) but don't take it too long because it has naproxen which causes depression. Ross might check the labels on the otc drugs around the tylenol p.m. Perhaps there are others you could take. Or better yet, ask the pharmacist.

I'm praying for you still.
smile