Sue, what I’ve “think” I’ve discovered, is that pain management doctors still want to cut some part of your body where the pain is. The one that dismissed me, wanted to do a spinal stimulator. I’ve already had three major back surgeries, and am not going to have anything else implanted in my back. I had all the hardware taken out of my back on my third surgery, because it just made it so much worse. My knee pain from an arthroscopic meniscus tear surgery, has never gotten better. I stopped going to therapy because the laser they put on my knee felt like my leg was being electrocuted! As far as opiates go, there’s such a STIGMA attached, and it really makes me angry. I take everything as prescribed; if it takes the edge off so you can at least function, what is the harm? I’m 70. Not someone young who might be running around the streets looking for drugs. I’d rather have the remaining years of my life as pain-free as possible. Opioids have never affected me in the way most people react to them. I don’t get a “high feeling” at all. Of course, that’s the first thing you’re accused of… drug searching. If I’m accused of that, all I can say is “Yes. I’m doing this the legal way. I’m in constant pain, and you’re the only one who has the power to write a prescription.
I’ve had too many surgeries, cut from front to back, hip replacement, and reconstruction of my right foot. I don’t want any more doctors cutting into me.