Wow, thank you for the quick replies.
Kimmy: good point, "secondary" result...I defintely don't use them to get high but sometimes to feel better
Mouse: I've already experienced what you described...I almost look forward to justifying having to take something when the pain is noticeable (no second thoughts)
Perna: After reading what you wrote, I think I may have more of a dependency than an addiction potential
Rayna: I respect tremendously what you do to keep yourself straight but I have a much more cavalier toward drugs so am not afraid to push myself to the brink.....as long as I don't fall off.
The bottom line is I have legitimate, oppressive pain, which keeps me from enjoying life and the pain meds fix that.
I just need to keep things in balance.