Have you gotten other Drs opinions on your situation & recovery?
Has there been a recent/followup MRI done since the surgery?

Have other therapies been mentioned or tried, to help reduce the need for meds?

Low Level Laser
Electrical stim types {TENS, IF stim, etc}
Implanted pain pump or SCS
Injections /blocks

other stuff-
hypnosis / meditation / biofeedback type stuff