PAIN MEDS, HOBBLING & WORK

Over the past couple of years, I have been dealing with pain which is long term, not short term as in a headache, or cramps, etc. This is ongoing pain. Last year, I was prescribed Tramadol, a pain med in the family of opiods. 
I have always been nervous of taking "strong" pain killers. Some that I have taken previously have given me a "buzzy" sensation which I really didnt like. But I was desperate. Tramadol helped. It definitely helped. I was taking the maximum dose, but after a few months, I started waking each morning feeling like I had the hangover from hell. I now call it an opiod hangover. Headache, nausea, etc. 
It got to the stage where I just couldnt stand it anymore, and decided the pain relief was not worth the sickness. So, I researched, and discovered that the withdrawal has to be done slowly. The main side effect from the withdrawals that I had was AWFUL restless legs. To the point where I continued taking 1 tramadol every night just to get some sleep. Thankfully after speaking to some people, it was suggested to me to take a magnesium supplement, which I did, and had relief within two weeks. Goodbye Tramadol. 
BUT, now, what to do about managing the pain? Again, spoke to the doc, and she prescribed slow release Difene - Diclac. One in the morning and one in the evening. I suppose they took the edge off, but always I had to take paracetamol at some stage in the day. Eventually I had cortisone injections into the foot (the right foot which is the "bad" one, except at the moment its the left one which is worse!!), and that gave me great relief. I did have to continue taking the Difene, and paracetamol, but not needing stronger opiod based painkillers made all the difference. 
So, ticking along nicely until two months ago when the left foot started to fail. I have to admit, at times I did want to resort back to the Tramadol, but the memories of the "hangover" were enough to deter me. I started to leave out taking the Difene, and take Nurofen Plus, once a day, but lashing the Paracetamol into me every day as well. I suppose, really and truly they just tip the pain. 
Is it placebo?? I dont know..... I am never pain free... even sitting, or lying down, my feet are throbbing. But at this stage in the so called journey, I have a mantra, something I heard a while ago, and its a Buddhist thought - if you have pain, accept it is there, become friends with it!!! I really do try and remember this on a daily basis..... allow it to be - have loving kindness..... 
If you are interested in the recording here is a link.... its a lovely way to spend an hour..... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As9jmZBCUWU 

I had the acupuncture, which did help after the first session, but the next two really did nothing. 
So now, its brufen, paracetamol, and rest. Im going to give my pain some kindness and stop fighting it. I know it  has to be worked at, but its important to accept it. 

Tomorrow I start back to work. As much as Im looking forward to it, I am apprehensive as to how the pain will be. 

And I shall remember this..... Im going to make peace with it all!!!