Sarah...I was probably in a bit more pain after the EPU but it was more a tenderness kinda like a bruising and pain when moving in certain positions IYKWIM and was certainly tolerable...I too used the heat packs one on the back and one on the front but only until transfer...dont want to upset the embie snuggling in there. You should be fine with panadol and if necessary there are other non opiate drugs that the FS can prescribe for you...that's the only thing really - you will need to make sure you discuss with him what you can take in the way of strong pain meds if you are allergic to codeine. Don't wait till you are in that kind of pain, there is nothing worse than being in pain at 2 in the morning and knowing there is nothing you can do until the doc gets in at 9am. I would make sure he prescribes something suitable JIC...better to have it and not use it than to not have it and need it.