I would also say post this on the orthopedic spinal cord side for more surgeon references.
Please know, I know this may be a very tough decision but if you are in that much spinal pain, having a liver that's well would still leave you prone if I'm understanding your description.
If your genotype is 1a, meaning you could have to do a year to a year and a half of tx.... and I am and found out today I'm not responding to tx enough, and if your viral load and biopsy indicate your liver is still at an early stage, then waiting at least until you have a shot at motion again might be wisdom.
Just saying this because 4 years in bed is not a very quality life, I know, from experience.
you are right, too much meds will mask back and other pains, but none will keep you from any motion.....no one keep hitting themselves with a hammer, and back/electrical pain is far more intense than that!! So moderate meds is something you may just have to face.
If you go to opiates, easier on the liver, stay with the lowest possible dose, as all strong pain meds have heart implications. Like you I cannot take NSAIds .....currently I am on 2 Ultram a day, and occasionally 1/2 a vicodin ASAP at night if it's way bad...(a little tylenol they say is OK, although I have my doubts..) and the Ultram raises my liver enyzemes, so I will probably have to ask to some just plain pure dope soon. Still, it's not good to not move at all. Hope this helps.
I have 6 discs 2 gone 4 ruptured, and a bent spinal cord....the pain thing is a connundrum. but moving rather than staying in bed, your heart probs can be from be bedridden, so at some point you need to consider that pain control is not the same as "getting hooked".
saying this is not easy, I also hate pain pills, but without something, I would not have even been able to sit up many days much less walk.
for some reason they say my injury cannot be fixed or fused.
but since yours can, please get this done before hep c treatment unless your Liver specialist say tx is urgent....as blood loss during HCV treatment is not wise, this I do know.
I had a cervical fusion 1 year ago. Definitely get a good Neurosurgeon. UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center is top notch.
Tim