Ladybird....I have lived with pain for what seems like an eternity. I had my last surgery (fusion at L5S1) in April 2002 and over the past couple of years I went from bad to worse. I am now seeing a new doctor (who I think I am going to like) and she just put me on Ultram, Lodine and Tylox. I also take zanaflex and flexeril for muscle spasms. I did a year of neurontin and hated it. I would suggest another MRI to see if there is still something there that needs fixing. I had mine yesterday and waiting the results. I also had X-Rays and the tech asked me how long have I had the hardware in my back..........I said since 2002. He said on x-rays it looks kind of "iffy". So I am thinking if the x-rays look iffy.......then the mri will show what is wrong. (hopefully). But to answer your question...Do we get off pain pills?....I hope eventually I will, but so far I haven't. I take more now than I did before surgery. I also know people that have had surgery that have done wonderful afterwards and take nothing. I think it is basically how each individual does. No two people respond to the same treatment.
Good Luck!!! Keep Smiling!!!

Tammy