Well, from long experience, I'm sure he's got some knowledge of how long it takes the average person to have minimal pain from the surgery. We don't have to be of the same gender to gain experience about things.
If you're having a lot of pain and he's not willing to continue you on prescription pain medications, I have a suggestion for you that was told to me when I first started recovery from alcohol addiction---two extra strength acetomenaphin (Tylenol) and two ibuprofen give as much pain relief as a prescription pain medication for mild to moderate pain. It's worked for me many a time.
You may want to ask your doctor about that combination.