Pain is pain and a single goal for all those in pain is to get rid of it. We all are disappointed when we hear our pain will continue or surgery is needed to get rid of the pain or ??? Waiting a single day in pain seems like an eternity.
It also sounds like you're in good hands with a cautious doctor who does not want to rush into surgery. When will this all end? Good question but here's hoping it will end!
Better days are on the horizon - patience is a virtue - yeah right