I have been weaning off Fentanyl so that I can go back on hydrocodone. But most physicians don’t want to prescribe pain medication. I have multiple sclerosis (secondary progressive) with spine damage/pain, sever muscle spasms and in places where it causes other pain problems, like piriformis syndrome (piriformis muscle under the pelvic disturbs the sciatic nerve, in my case for both legs/feet. I take muscle relaxants, but I am suffer rigidity. It was my neurologist and physical medicine/rehabilitative physicians who started the opioids and introduced me to fentanyl. I have to come off it because Medicare D doesn’t approve of its use. I am at the mercy of my prescription company to get formulary exceptions to get fentanyl until I am off it. I am in pain every day mostly 5-8 on a scale 1-10. And i do get days when it is 10+. I have used Botox injections. My neurologist is not fond of baclofen pumps for relieving muscle spasms. I have paraspinal muscle spasms, in the hands, forearms and places you would never imagine. I tried Botox and too much weakens to the point you need PT or OT. I have had cortisone/nerve blocks. Plenty of yoga, PT/OT. With aging it gets harder. The opioid crisis is serious but for people who need pain medicine it is terrible situation. In my state you must see the the physician once a month to get your prescription which is faxed to my retail pharmacy. We make small talk each month. I paying to see a physician every month and periodically give a urinalysis for drug testing. I tried even marijuana approved for MS in my state, but one cannot guarantee the strength or type one will received at a dispensary. Neurologist is afraid it will effect cognitive skills, since my disease already impacts cognitive skills (memory) and personality. I have had this disease for almost 37 years and probably longer. That is when it was diagnosed. It is frustrating at times. I will continue massage therapy and maybe look into accupuncture which is not always covered by insurance, depending on facility, physician and number of sessions. I feel like a guinea pig trying various treatment plans and physicians. And i am the one who has to deal with pain.