Horatio - thanks for the info, & yes, I do understand your logic, but for now I have to stick with the Gabapentin due to cost. It also controls the nerve spasms to the point that they are tolerable.

Miss Ginnie - again thank you for your kind post. Hope your dental swelling resolves soon. Chipmunks are cute tho!
Can totally relate to impatience and crabbiness. Unless it's raining, I've had long walks every single day for 3 years regardless of temperature, and not doing those, not feeling like doing those makes me an impatient crabby witch. Plus the health benefits, lower b/p, etc. was an added incentive to the pure enjoyment. For the past few months, I've been taking a pain pill, waiting 30 minutes, gritting my teeth and doing it anyway. I will continue doing that every day that I possibly can. What really gets me down, is the realization that is sinking in, that my back will never ever be the same as it was a year ago.