I was born with hip dysplasia. Pain was my life. I didn't know any better. I was told to wait until the last possible moment to have my total hip replacement, which I did at the age of 36, when I found I could not even make it to the backyard to show my nother my new house. A trip to the store for groceries left me spent for the day, and depression was setting in. I willed myself to go to work every day, and was told nsaids were my only option. I tore up my stomach tore up my soul. My first visit to an orthapaedic surgeon left much to be desired. He told me, before even examining me, that I didn't need surgary. I was so excited, and glad I'd gone to the specialist. Until he said I just needed a diet. I started crying uncontrollably. I was simply taken off gaurd. I thought he really had an answer! He then informed me that he couldn't deal with crying women, and that I should have gone to his lecture on hip replacement the week before. I was never notified of a lecture, and I lived 4 hours away. (He also said he operates on little old ladies who weigh 98 pounds) His poor intern checked the prominant chart on the wall, and asked my height, and stated I was within the normal weight range for a woman of my height. The Dr. shot back accusingly, "ARE YOU HAPPY AT THIS WEIGHT???) I was stunned, speechless, and shook my head no. I had worn a pretty, flowy, gauzy indian print dress, to show respect for the doctor. (I was taught to dress up to go to the doctor) He never even examined me, of even looked at my x-rays. I cried all the way to radiology to pick up my films, and for 4 hours driving home. My fellow teachers told me I should have beat him with my cane. I wish I had. Luckily I went to a second opinion appt. with a sports doctor who worked with younger people, who said I was an excellent candidate. And it was done. Due to my hip deformaty, the left hip prosthetic didn't fit, and he amazingly made a right hip fit! He also lengthened my left leg and cured my scholiosis.  I'll never forget his kind ways. Now, for the first time in my life I can walk without a limp. Unfortunately, my body seems determined on destroying itself, and I have degenerative disc disease, and just about every joint in my body is eaten away every day. After all the doctors, CT scans, joint shots, I finally was sent to a pain management specialist. And for the first time I found what it felt like to live a relativelly pain-free life. I've been on hydrocodone 10/500 for two years and it is not working anymore. I'm afraid. What now? I've heard so  many scary things about oxycodone, I'm afraid to mention ti to my Dr. He even asked how my pain meds were working, and I said good, I didn't want to take anything stronger than I had to have. Now I want to tell him, but I don't know what's next. I need advice. Please help!