i do appreciate the info but........my doc did give me that advice and i followed it.  i started the percs right after surgery (with ibuprof as well) per thiers (and your) schedule.  bottom line is that just didn't cut it.  after the nerve block went away, the pain became unbearable.  the percs were to be taken "1-2 pills every 4-6 hours".  i ended up taking three every three hours and would get woken up at 2:45 minutes when the percs would wear off (+ ibuprof).  my stomach got fried from all the pills even though i'd take them with food.  i think i have a high tolerance to meds.  not every schedule works for every person.  i tried to explain this prior to surgery and got a shitty attitude like i was a drug seeker.  this is my fifth major surgery so it's not like i'm not speaking from experience.  some pain plans work for most, but a good doc can read his patients and react accordingly.  i asked what thier back-up plan was if this didn't work, and they said i should go to the ER for a demoral shot (nice back-up plan).  i don't think a procedure like this should be that uncomfortable.  why not prescribe something long acting?  anyways i'm frustrated with the medical world (again) with thier "impersonal" attitude towards thier patients.  at least i start my accupuncture treatments today (where i know people LISTEN to thier patients).  i understand you mean well and it's a tough world to manage (i'm sure).  if i could just stop getting injured, none of this would be an issue (yeah right)
L8R,
Erik