The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor about non narcotic
alternatives. There are options available to you. The
Voltaren gel, or other anti inflammatories, ice packs, maybe physical therapy, etc Don't give up. Congrats to you for tapering off the Vicoden before your dependence became worse. And, yes my doctor still gives me samples. I've been given lots of samples to try. Take care, and keep us updated on how you are doing.