Odd behavior after kittens operation

[evrey]

My 12 week old kitten has just had an operation for a hernia repair 3 days ago. He is acting very odd .
He is purring and kneading constantly! ,and constantly climbing up to my face to rub his head on me ,(the cone is blocking him from doing so) At first I thought he may be a bit away with the fairies after the anesthesia but it's not stopping.
He has always been a very friendly boy , but he has kept me awake doing this all night and the constant kneading hurts.
I guess this is better than him crying. Has anyone ever heard of this?

Does the poor little thing have pain killers? He sounds like he’s seeking comfort from you.

Purring. Although purring typically indicates happiness in our cats, they may also purr to communicate when they are stressed, anxious, or trying to communicate other needs, such as if they are painful or uncomfortable.

Purring can mean they're in pain.

Does he have enough painkillers from the vets?

Yes he has painkillers and antibiotics, but he is one of 3 cats and has to be separated from the others while his stitches are in. So I don't know if that's adding to his stress.

Purring and kneading/making biscuits means he's really happy. Mine drools at the same time.

My girl dies it on my face. That hurts!

Not necessarily, it can also be caused by stress or pain.

Kneading and purring are both comfort behaviours - so while they could just be doing it because they're happy, if it's unusual it could also be because they're in pain or unhappy and trying to seek comfort.