Can't answer your questions, ceegee. Wish I could. Definitely wish you weren't in the situation you are in now.

As far as advice, I would quiz my doc/surgeon/PCP on alternate pain meds... like, NOW. Each med has different possibilities for each person. I'd do a little research on the subject myself. Come in with guns loaded.

Same with HR and the company you are with. There are no precedents available for lifting the one year wait? (No one else has done it?) And if your supervisors are working with you, I'd prod them for help as well.

But that's just me... Either way, I hope you feel better soon.