I must applaud the doctors, as they did the right thing, and even gave explicit and detailed explanation. Pain is indeed important. It is a feature, not a bug. If you don't know what resting after a surgery means, then you are in need of more pain, not less, as pain is exactly what effectively teaches you what to do and what not to do.
Also, Ibuprofen is really bad for your kidneys. If you take it, then make sure to drink sufficient water. And don't give Ibuprofen to old people without doctorial advise.
But some pain after surgery is far cry from chronic pain.
From my experience, there's very clear difference to be in pain for a quick moment, few hours, day or two, a couple weeks.. Fortunately I didn't have to experience it longer than that.
But I feel pretty confident to say it grows at geometrical progression. Short, even very strong, pain is nothing compared to week-long, even much lesser, pain. Post-surgery pain for a day or two is a joke compared to chronic lifelong pain.
Also, Ibuprofen is really bad for your kidneys. If you take it, then make sure to drink sufficient water. And don't give Ibuprofen to old people without doctorial advise.