I hate pain meds. They make me feel awful. So nothing stronger than occasional Tylenol. I did 3-6 hours of yoga a week for the first 15 years. I walked. I biked. Then after 15 years I finally accepted that it is not going away and my breathing is not going to get any better.
The pain is always there - but I've learned to live with it. Sometimes really bad when a storm comes in. It is just a fact of life.
At least I am still here 24 years after LC. I just wish the surgeons would be honest and fess up that there will be pain and it will most likely be permanent. I guess they are trying to fool themselves. Pain is better than 6 feet under for sure, just wish they would be honest about the pain with patients and themselves.