Well, I stopped using the creams and ointments and concentrated on trying to control the pain instead - after a hospital stay I began to take
pregabalin, first in small doses and then gradually increased the dose to 600 mg. And in a way, that was my breakthrough - the pain got less, did not go away entirely, but was manageable, and I was able to get on with my life again.
Unfortunately, the medical profession are not too keen on
treating pain - there seems to be some failure of communication between doctor and patient where that's concerned. It's best to look around for any solution that's helpful - and that may exclude narcotics.
Percoset is probably the most effective solution, but as in my case there are others that are possible.
I hope you find some pain control that works, and that you feel better soon.