Go ahead and take pain medication even if you are still numb and not in any pain. Take pills as instructed there after. If you find that you need to take a pill every two hours and still are not comfortable, please call the doctor. You are to expect some discomfort but not intolerable pain. Some patients may become nauseated after taking the pain pills.
Nausea is a very common side effect of narcotic pain pills.
Try taking the medication with food to minimize the nause. If you are experiencing severe vomitting please contact the doctor for an anti-nausea medication. As an alternate to the prescribed pain medication, Advil or Nuprin work well. Take tablet as soon as you get home, then continue to take them as directed until gone. Start the day after surgery has been completed.