Like everyone else, I also think you made the right decision, even if it was a terribly difficult one. Your health needs to come first.
Can you get something stronger than Vicodin for your pain? I think you mentioned before that your rheumy said she didn't want you taking anything stronger for the pain since it can be a clue to symptoms. Maybe you need to tell her that she's played Nancy Drew with your system long enough and you need some serious pain relief.
I really hope that this drug will do the trick for you and that you won't have any side effects. Take care.
-------------------- jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC