Im new to this. Not once ever did I think I would get to this point.  I have suffered back problems since the mid 90's and being from the UK have been freely prescribed codein to help relieve the pain so that I may continue work.  I never even knew that it was a "narcotic" back then.

Many years later I arrived to the US, I looked for doctors to prescribe me the same drug only to my horror to be made felt like a "drug seeker", as though I were looking for a cocain hit.  Call me naieve if you may, drugs were far from my mind, only pain relief.  Later I fell down the stairs during my pregnancy and I finally had another mri showing the herniated disc.  I had found a doctor who would prescribe the hydrocodone being educated in the UK, was sympathetic to my plite and saddened that people were left to suffer their pain here in the US because of the stigma attached.

Update now is I have a tumor in my T4 which hurts like hell.  The orthopedic specialist gives me nothing currently while I have to "sneaK" to my GP for the pain meds....I would NOT be able to function if it were not for this doctor.....

So Im stuck....my concern is I have a dependancy (not addiction as I would have to take many more than I do to feel the "high" that addicts seek)...I have to be able to function on a day to day basis...taking care of my toddler, running a large house, doing a full time job...etc etc...i could just NOT do it without them.  I would dearly love an alternative with the same pain killing effects....not anti inflams etc.....Im most likely due for surgery...Im worried...