@heyjoe415 in reference to your comment about becoming tolerant is basically correct but there lies the difference between dependency and addiction. Dependency is taking your meds as prescribed with possibly periodic increases in dose over years. After narcotic pills I was started on buprenorphine patch 15mcg and after 2 weeks it was increased to 20mcg where it has stayed for about 6 years. I also walk 2 miles daily and do stretches 2x daily and the gym 2-3x week. I find that exercise helps diminish my pain. Addiction is as you described needing an increasing higher dose as you use. Studies have found that those of us who use narcotics for pain control don’t usually become addicts.
As for cologurd your comments are correct. But we don’t live forever and at 73 if I have a missed polyp for using cologuard I’ll live with it or not. We have no children to concern ourselves with so decisions are jointly made from a realistic view. My spouse is a psychologist who practices from home completely remote. She healthy and takes no routine meds. I’m the one with the crappy back. You are also correct in that a colonoscopy can find 95% of polyps but I’ll take my chances. Take care Joe.