Hello @momwith2dogs, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I think your question - How do you not take any medications was meant for @avmcbellar. Sometimes it's easy to miss someone's reply to your post if you don't specifically tag them with their @membername. I can't speak for Toni but each of us are different and learn to cope with pain the best we can. Sometimes the medications have undesirable side effects which are worse than the pain. I think when that happens people look for alternative treatments to help relieve their symptoms.

It's good that your medications help you sleep. Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis or symptoms?

Hi @momwith2dogs I only take medications if I have NO other options and they are a must eg antibiotics. Short term is fine. I am leery of long term medications that do not help with a cure but only provide a comfort. I refuse to take a medication indefinitely because it may possibly cause other health issues. Who needs that? I have managed so far with my health not to need long term medications. Thanks for asking. Toni