I just did a pre-op to get a hernia repaired, one of the documents they want you to sign, is, "I wish to continue receiving medication to relieve my pain, even if it hastens my death."
Looks to me like they get to decide when I'm in pain, since there is no other party that gets consulted.
That is a weird document but I seem to remeber my dad had to sign something similiar.
My 82-year old father had two hernias repaired a couple years ago, six months apart. Took a few hours both times - he walked into the daytime surgery and walked out. Piece of cake. He took pain medication, vicodan, for a couple days to help him sleep, but didn’t experience much pain otherwise.
Now he’s back to walking the dog and playing contract bridge.
Good luck, and here’s hoping your surgery goes as smoothly!