Narcotic Pain Killers - What to do before it is way too late?

Was on 10/325 mg Norco, 6/day for a painful knee injury-3 years now.  I tried to stop a few months ago and had withdrawals.  I now have moderate back/spine degeneration and a small injury took me out.  MRI taken last week shows L4/5 disc protrusion with annular fissure and L5/S1 herniated disc impinging on S1 nerve.  The back pain made my knee pain feel like nothing (wish now I never started Norco); I could not stand up or walk.  Dr prescribed 10/325 mg percocets, which did nothing for pain (ate them like candy 10-15/day for 2 days).  I was in such severe debilitating pain Dr prescribed 60 mg Morphine extended release every 3 hours.  Also took percocets (probably 6-8/day) for breakthrough pain.  Got some pain relief but couldn't walk good or stand up straight.  Had epidural steroid shots 2 days ago.  Major pain relief (10 to a 2) and can now stand/walk.  However, doc doesn't want me to stop morphine yet as he is not sure how long shots will last--could be very temporary.  Dr said it is better to control pain at a manageable level than with extended relief morphine than to "chase the pain" with several percocets or Norco.  Don't want to stop morphine when I still have pain just to find out the pain worsens again.  I know he is trying to help me and this is "temporary" treatment until we get a grip on the back issues. The thing is I am scared now and want to get off everything--even original Norcos.  Should I stop the morphine now, wean on percs/norco or stop the percs/norco 1st?  Timing for this is good and bad.  I have been off work for 1 week and have the next 3 off too.  On Friday the 24 though, I an supposed to leave on a $4K 2 week trip to the Caribbean that we saved a LONG time for--not refundable of course.  I know my life is more important than a trip but still I would like to enjoy it.  Any ideas on what I can do to start weaning over the next 3 weeks and not dig in deeper to addiction.  I am scared of withdrawals.  I am going to see my Dr again before I leave and express ALL my concerns.  Is there a safe way to actually use narcotic pain meds for relatively short term treatment and then be able to stop without major problems?   I know he must have a plan for me because he doesn't dispense morphine lightly and cares about me.  However, it doesn't sound like he can really prescribe anything non-addictive to help me later.  Funny, 11 days ago I would have given my right arm to stop the pain, so the morphine was a lifesaver.  Now, I would give my right are to be able to stop all pain pills NOW, without withdrawals of course :}.  Am I totally screwed at this point?  Any opinions or suggestion would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.