That is entirely beside the point, don't you think? The point might possibly BE that Rush took the pain pills in lieu of having to have the back surgery. I've heard the back surgery makes other pain seem like a walk in the park, and I don't blame him for avoiding having it performed. I would. The pain pills relieved the pain enough so that Rush could keep working without having the surgery. I also suspect that Rush is a workaholic. (Ergo, how he went from having no money to being quite well off. He EARNED it.)
"Out of all the years I have listen to Rush, I don't recall him ever announcing on his show that he was taking time off for back surgery."
I understand, from both Rush and Sean Hannity who also explained it, that the required surgery involved access through and near his vocal cords. For obvious reasons, not a good idea for Rush. Anyone else remember these discussions?