Great advice Debbie and EnBloc. The fact is, there isn't a cure for many of us, certainly not for hereditary PN like mine, and pain medication can be a blessing.

Most of us do not receive any benefit from the Neurontin until it has been titrated up at least to the 1800 mg. mark- usually 3 doses of 600 mg. each. I actually lost weight on it, so it does not always cause weight gain.
Pain management is is trial and error process, and there are specific protocols that doctors are expected to follow in order to protect themselves. If you have a diagnosis of neuropathy they almost invariably try Neurontin or Lyrica first, often followed by an antidepressant when it has reached the therapeutic dose. Only if the pain is still severe and the doctor is willing will they then prescribe an opiate.
If you expect too much from a beginning dose of Neurontin you will likely be disappointed. Early side effects, as en bloc said, often do not continue and others may appear. I did not have blurry vision until several years into taking Neurontin.
Many of us here with severely painful and disabling conditions are only able to have an acceptable quality of life on medications which cause dependence. Dependence is not addiction, addiction is a psychological, not physiological need.
Live 30 years on them? It sounds a lot better than 30 years without them in this kind of pain, or the pain that you describe.