Gil,
Just speaking from personal experience: Last year, I was on oxycodone for a few months and it wasn't too difficult to get off of them. I did a slow taper, which is advisable if you are weaning down from taking regular narcotics or Gabapentin, even.
This year, been on them a lot longer but really don't have much of a choice, because I am kind of joined at the hip with my meds. This year, like last year, I didn't worry too much about taking them when I needed to.
I believe if you are having a hard time functioning normally because of pain that pain meds can be a Godsend. I can tell that when I am in a lot of pain, that maybe just under the surface, even, I get very angry and get mad at the people around me. Kind of like I feel today...having a difficult time sleeping because of pain, which is no good.
runner