Yea gotta watch those pain meds. Some seem to work for some folks and make it worse for others while other meds it gets switched around. You might have to experiment with a couple different ones until you find one that helps. But Gabapentin is "mild" compared to other ones. For my intermittent nerve pain it helps me fairly well.
If you get some surgery, you may be pleasantly surprised. I've known a half-dozen people who needed it and got it done, and afterward they felt like a huge weight was lifted off their soul (their words, not mine). Whatever words may express it, if surgery is necessary, just make sure you get a doc who cares and is good at it and you'll feel 18 again in no time. OK maybe not quite that spry, but it's very promising.