Hi I'm in a simular situation I never got addicted to ultram but I did everything else. I feel for you. I have to say that once you get past the paws the pain does get better at least it did for me. Once you retire you can properly have it treated but I have to warn you every pm Dr. I have gone to trys to give me long term meds. the last guy actually listened I needed meds but we went week to week and after the shots we stopped its only been a short time but so far so good. I'm also near retirement have been doing a very physical job since I was a young guy now 27 years later 3 years from retirement they want to forget my name. It sucks Good luck with your pending retirement