@oldkarl,

I can appreciate your last sentence, "The rest of the time I just swear under my breath." I must admit, I do this quite often myself on my bad days with pain. Unfortunately, sometimes I think it is under my breath but in actuality it is loud enough for others to hear and I get some strange looks.

@oldkarl - I'm really glad that I have been seeing a pain specialist. He knows more about pain than the other doctors I see, and he's been a great listener. He's had me try several medications, and pushed for the spinal cord stimulator implant. I think that he still has a few on his list for me to try if I need more at some point. Finding a good doctor - the phrase reminds me of a verse, blessed is the man who finds a good wife - for he's found a good thing. I've been fortunate to have had some great ones. PCP, neurologist, pain specialist, hematologist, orthopedist, ophthalmologist, ENTs, surgeons, speech therapist, psychiatrist, therapists, cardiologist, internIst - have I missed any?

Maybe pot would be what you need.

Jim

K. Vienna