Agree. It’s almost impossible for a pain patient to get help now. Even if you followed your doc’s orders perfectly and always had good drug tests, docs are afraid to prescribe opioids. Or, perhaps it works in their favor. Procedures, surgery, injections, pain pumps, & refills are expensive and they make big $$$. Yes, I’m cynical.

I’m 68. I had to retire in May due to the pain in my feet, knees, hips, etc. I was a teacher. The pain became so extreme, I could not stand more than 2 hrs/day. I have RA , Fibro, numerous spinal issues.

I have an ITC pain pump with Fentenyl that doesn’t work very well for me. OxyContin worked better, was much cheaper, & required less time at the doc. To get the pump, I had to give up all pain meds, then it’s taken 3 years to get pump adjusted to help “some”. I feel like my new doc “pushed” me into it. (My good doc passed away in the midst of this, ~ 4 yrs ago.)

Some pain patients will be pushed to illicit/cheap street drugs if they do not have good health insurance or $$$$$. Pain Mgt. has become very expensive. Opioids are not for everyone. However, for many of us they work, are cheap, and cause few problems.

Who is looking out for us? Very few… our voices must continue to speak out.