I have to take prevacid to prevent ulcers, but have spent a few years trying alternatives only to come back to this basic regimen.
Yoga Nidra for meditation helps, but that is it for me.
I hope you find what works, In the mean time, have those pills doled out by a trustworthy source as prescribed. Surgery is a complete justification, IMO, for pain meds, short-term, as prescribed.
A friend of mine swears by Aleve for her back pain, but it didn't do anything for me.