My doctor switched me from oxycodone 10-325 four times daily (amount varied) yesterday to Demerol 50 mg 3 times daily. I have not yet started due to lack of availability. A neurosurgeon performed a Laminectomy on 5-28-13. Shortly thereafter I was stuck by bilateral hernias which were surgically corrected. Several weeks later a compression fracture was identified by X ray (on June 15th my house was 80% destroyed by a tornado). My question is about the meds and MD switch. Will the Demerol provide the same level of pain relief as the Oxy. As you can see my life has been far from a bowl of sweet and low as far as pain goes. The Oxy has been augmented by Ativan 1/2 mg. I have had 3 heart attacks, AF and prostate cancer. Any suggestion on a newer pain med and type of Doctor. You can t make this stuff up. Thanks, Ed DeHart, Marietta, GA