I know someone who has serious pain issues and he takes Oxycontin. He says it's been of great help to him, and his doctor said that he may have to take it for the rest of his life because his pains are so difficult - but if the drug could be discontinued, the withdrawal would happen in a hospital, under supervision.

I don't know what your husband's case is, though. Is he still having pains?

Here's a good article on Oxycontin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxycodone

I didn't find any info on the long-term effects - I guess if the dosage stays the same it's not so bad.

Going to a pain specialist sounds a good idea.