I must concur with Trisha Emry: ethanol is the most effective
non-prescription pain-killer.  In my experience it is about as good as
percodan for post-operative pain.  I have found three to four martinis or
whiskey sours serve that purpose well. One must, of course, confine such use
to occasions where there is real pain beyond the reach of NSAIDs.
   If percodan became available without a prescription, it would probably be
a little safer than ethanol.
   Sadly many physicians still underprescribe pain medications, even after
outpatient surgery.


Allen A. Smith, Ph.D.

Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences

Miami Shores, Florida