Jim, I'm so sorry to hear that you're experiencing such discomfort. I was actually surprised when I read this. I haven't been around here long but I noticed right away that you are always one of the first to have a kind, encouraging word for someone else.
And what a sense of humor. I often find myself smiling when I read your words. And this while you are in pain??? Wow.

I hope you choose to at least get the pain killers to have on hand. At my counseling center we have quite a few folks addicted to prescription meds. So,I end up at a lot of conferences on pain management. I think there has been some good research out there that shows that appropriately taking pain medication when needed can speed healing.
I hope you get some relief very soon.

And Donna, I hope the same for your mom. I hate seeing my husband in pain. it's such a helpless feeling,isn't it???