I have had rheumatoid arthritis for the past 32 years, and fifteen joint replacement operations. In the past four, I have had four hip replacements or revisions of previous operations on my left side. Usually the sciatic nerve will calm down after a few months, but it's been 16 weeks since surgery and the nerve pain, mostly in my calf and top of foot, is unbearable. I'm on a high dose of gabapentin but can still only straighten my leg for minutes without agony, and it hurts in every position except bent, lying on my side. What can alleviate this nerve pain besides time and patience?