I'm getting mine via a script.
They started me off on a digestible (non-smokable) CBD oil, but I wasn't getting the benefit.
They changed it up to a 1:1 CBD/THC digestible oil, I did receive a benefit from it, only it took time to kick in.
The script was changed again to a THC flower (Bud), and for me, this works.
Through all of this what I have found is that what can work wonders for one may have no benefit to another. It truly can be a case of trial and error to find what may best meet your needs. You state you're '...about to get me guts cut right open...' for me it was my head they chopped open, so a totally different set of nerves involved, therefore trying to draw a straight line of comparison is near on impossible.
My initial aim in using canna was to eliminate the opiates from my diet and although I have reduced my need for opiates and reduced the strength of opiate by using canna, I still find I need an opiate when the pain overwhelms me.