Im so happy that everyone else has had the good experience I have. I think its a great idea to take it slow and easy when starting and Im certain your dr can help you find the perfect dose for you. I have read that when you start the methadone, you want to stay on the same dose for about 4 days or so. Say you want to break it in half every 8 hours, make sure you do that for about 4 days to a week or longer before you move up-if you do. You just want to make sure you slowly introduce it because it has a long half life. I started on the 5 mg 3 times a day also and now I am at 10mg 3 times a day and I have no need to move up right now. Also, something you will find with methadone is that once you are used to it, you dont really feel it like with other narcotics. Personally I can barely tell that I have taken a pain pill when I take my dose, so you can actually feel less dopey and be able to enjoy your day without feeling spaced out.
The only thing I noticed when I began the methadone was when I took my breakthrough meds, they felt a little more intense. So if you take breakthrough meds you may want to take 1/2 your normal dose until you are used to the effects, especially if you are more sensitive to the effects of narcotics.

Just sharing my experience, feel free to also call your pharmacist or dr if you have any other questions. I know I called my pharmaist with a list of questions with my first prescription of methadone. lol
I hope your pain level will go down, please keep us posted with how it works for you!

Hugs
Shannon