Thank you for your responses. My doctor offered me Oxycontin and I declined it. I know that drug has a stigma associated with it and I didn't want to go down that road. At this time though, I hadn't had any MRI's yet and didn't know what was wrong with me. When I see my spine surgeon on Tuesday, I'll explain the challenges I'm having and see what he suggests. I need to be able to drive, work and take care of my family, I don't want to become a zombie. I am not depressed, even with this current pain, I'm optimistic (but I'll admit scared). I don't want to take an antidepressant, I've been very sentimental/emotional the last month and I'm over it. I don't want drugs changing me, just take away the pain please..