I didn't respond to your original question because I haven't yet seen the pain management unit, and won't be able to get in to see them until some time next year (I've been waiting since the first of May). I have spoken to the PMU nurse though, and she did not give me the impression that they would take me off any meds I was on without an alternative. I was put on anti-depressants to help deal with the pain as well, and it didn't work. What the nurse told me was that they would see what worked for me, but would probably suggest acupuncture and/or a nerve block.
Keep in mind that this is in Canada, so it may be radically different from what they will suggest in the US.
Good luck.
Nancy in NB
ICQ 9683431