Drug Holidays and Discograms

Drug Holiday:
First, thanks to Mark for ageeing with me. This doctor only told me I would have flu-like symptoms for about 2 weeks. He never mentioned anything about the pain I would be in during this "holiday".
Right before I switched doctors, his office wanted me to sign a contract that included a clause stating that I could be put on a "drug holiday" at any time during my treatment. Like I said, he is now my ex-doctor!
I was lucky enough that my insurance company found me aother pain doctor nearby. She is very caring, but very conservative on giving out narcotics.
I don't think she is confortable trusting most patients thoughts on how much they truly need. Sometime she is right though, I am sure.
My thought is give me whatever I need to make it through the day, and lead as normal life as I can cause I only got one shot at life, but I know docs don't think that way and I can appreciate why.

On discograms, my ortho doc told me that it was like getting a myleogram in each disc. This way they could tell which disc was bad and causing most of the problems. They could not do it for cervical discs, though. Anyone who has had a myleogram will tell you, it is very uncomfortable. If it is your lower back only(!) that is hurting you, I would consider doing it.

Remember, I am NOT a doctor, just one of you all.

Take care and be as pain-free as possible,
John