Make the suggestion you'd like to use OTC ibuprofin / naproxin sodium (either individually or in conjunction) with either propoxyphene, Tramadol or perhaps extended release Oxymorphone (Opana, Numorphan, Numorphone) as an alternative to LorTab. Opana extended release has been shown to have significant analgesic affect for as long as 36 hours. Don't forget to mention the NSAID analgesics Feldene, Mobic or Lornoxi as alternatives for, or adjuncts to, either, ibuprofin, naprosin, or both.
The problem I see is that propoxyphene may not be strong enough, but all the hydrocodone equivalents belong in the opiate category are significantly more potent (and carry the associated significant risk of addiction with them). However, propoxyphen may be suitable if used in conjunction with the OTC NSAID analgesics that I mentioned.
IF the objective of the pain management regime works, i.e., manages your pain througout the day, you may not even need stronger opiates. IF the purpose of the opiate at night is for its sedative affect, then try an OTC sleep-aid, e.g., melatonin, trptophan, GABA, et ali. In fact, ostensibly for that putative purpose alone GABA is highly suggested, i.e., GABA participates in promoting relaxation, which allows one to sleep. Unlike many relaxants, it does not cause drowsiness, just easing anxiety. As a natural stress-reducer, GABA supplements may help support pain reduction. They may also lessen pain-related nerve impulses. For the brain and neural health, GABA appears to inhibit nerve cells in the brain from firing haphazardly.
Given all the options, that's why I believe the pharmacist should make the recommendation; doctors are not trained in pharmaceuticals or pharmacology; they work from a standard script (based on their training, experience and what the drug reps tell 'em). Ultimately, if the doc don't want to work with you on this: find a different doc. Your doc can't reject a reasonable request from you, i.e., one not predicated on addictive drug-seeking.
Moreover, I'd highly recommend a daily intake of 500mg to 1000mg daily of Vit C to facilitate recupteration and healing. It is essential for the production of collagen, i.e., connective tissue.
All the foregoing notwithstanding, I'm not a doctor, nor pharmacist; I don't play one on TV and havn't stayed in a Holiday Inn Express either. I offer some suggestions that you should take up with your health care providers, i.e., pharmacist most especially and final approval by your physician(s).
Vit C helps with collagen?
I have OI type 1 (connective tissue disorder I inherited) causing a collagen deficiency, making my bones osteoporotic (sp), my joints weak, my muscles fairly flaccid, and I get fairly easy bruising too. Bad bones are the worst though.
I’ve seen countless specialists over the years (UofM, Duke, Texas Children’s Hospital (yes, I was an adult patient there)) and no one has ever mentioned vitamin C to me.
I’ll check it out though, so thanks for the tip!