Hi sjtb,
I have severe nerve pain in one leg caused by a spinal problem. Do not underestimate the intensity nerve pain can generate. I find it seems more real than normal pain. For 15 years my leg feels as if it is having boiling water poured down the outside.
I used to faint with the pain, and wished I could when I didn't. I used painkillers for several years, Unfortunately the better effect caused me to become sleepy. In the end diclofenac( sp ?) seemed to produce a good compromise. I have learned how to switch the pain off, but that took years. So my advice would be to give the pain clinic a chance.