My wife is in a similar situation. I've heard pain killers only become addictive if you take them when not in pain. But when you're in excruciating pain, and the meds only dull the pain somewhat, there is no addictive euphoria taking place. So people like my wife who have been on them for a decade, and probably will for the rest of her life, could taper down and give them up very quickly if their pain went away.