When I was originally diagnosed (Oct 08), I was started on Neurontin, then Lyrica, plus MSContin and MSIR for breakthrough. However, my big priority was to return to work. I am a nurse, so working and being on any narcotic pain medication is a no-no. Because of this, I shook the morphine cold turkey after a couple of months for several reasons. My mother was afraid that I was addicted or would be (I am honest enough to say that I don't think I was, and while I did withdraw I do not crave any more, but it's hard to judge 'cause I certainly wasn't "myself"). Also, I felt like I was losing my life. I didn't want to eat, shower, get dressed, leave the house, and lost interest in my family. I just slept and breathed. I had been on antidepressants beforehand, but increased the dosage. So, I went off the morphine. I am still on the Lyrica and use a TENS unit for work. I also take Klonopin at night only to get me to sleep when that nasty sensation of the sheets against my leg keeps me awake. The TENS unit is not working as I had hoped, so there is still pain. My doc wants me to stop using it and get a SCS because the stimulation on my skin is causing bleeding rashes and electrical burns due to having to use it at such a high voltage to get relief. I think that this is the way that I will go (luckily I work in neurosurgery, so I have access to people who are understanding and that I trust) once I am permitted by my employer to take a leave to get it. I'm scared to death, but I have to do something and I cannot go back to more pills. And, yes, sometimes it just plain hurts...some days all you can hope for is to get one foot in front of the other and keep at it. I think we all have days like that whether pain meds are involved or not.