painful

Shit.  Need relief and answers.  Although I am not sure I really want to know what the answer will be. My 20 year son, J, is in severe agony and needs pain medications (Vicodin) around the clock.  When he woke up on Friday from a nap, his knee started hurting and as time went on it got worse and worse.  It's worse in the morning (which makes getting up for school difficult).  Yesterday morning was horrible.  Guess going all night with the meds doesn't work. I figured out to give him one for during the night if he needs one.  Trying not to take 2 at a time.  Today he has 2 left and will need some for school.  I called the doctor and told the nurse he'll need them ASAP.  She said he returns calls within 24 hours!  Hopefully, my son's situation will have him call soon.  He will need more for school this afternoon. And do you know what stinks?  He's been so happy and doing so well.  He has a girlfriend (that we adore) and school - all A's and he loves it.  What a turn-around from years of depression and then drug abuse.  No - he's not an addict but when his younger brother was at his worst a few years ago - that was when J started.  J didn't do or even try any drugs in high school.  I asked him why he started.  He said he started hanging around some different friends and - there ya go.  He was supposed to be taking Zoloft that summer after he graduated, but maybe he pretended he was taking them and replaced them with drugs.  Who knows?  All I know is that this poor guy has had a very rough road (since 6th grade he gets debilitating cancer sores and used to get frequent migraines or some kind of horrible headaches).  And now when things have been going well for him - this.   The upside is ---- he despite the fact he's uncomfortable - he's great to be around.  What a major trooper he is!  He's amazing!  And I make sure I tell him.