Totally understand everyone's postings. So sad that many judge us and tell us how we are to "feel", even though we are using various modalities and are willing to try other non-medicinal therapies, the use of a medication makes some of us, some family members or even doctors like we should NOT be on ANY! Medical school training of doctors have poor training on chronic pain management and treatments! More must be done in their field and ancillary medical fields such as mine, Nursing. Having had chronic pain (not just so many fusions but also TKR, THR, bowel resections due to cervical nerve damage, fibromyalgia i.e), I understand your frustrations.
We have so many complications as our conditions progress and many of us, try so hard to be a part of life and try any method to just get our lives back. Most can't. We suffer and many people just don't GET (understand) us. Now the laws regarding narcotics and benzodiazepines are changing; so many chronic pain doctors rather than having their hands "tied" so much with the regulations (like in my state), are closing practice. Some friends I know (ER Doctors) have been writing our governor and law makers to please not pass some bills they plan to bring up as they affect many of us, patients coming into emergency situations, and post-op patients. Education is the answer and we also must be educated. The overuse of just using medications and not using other wonderful treatments (TENS, gentle exercises, occasional braces, psychological modalities, ice/heat, diet --foods can cause inflammation, acupuncture, chiropractic, i.e) hasn't helped us besides the illegal use of medications by addicts by "bad" doctors prescribing (there are some) and illegal drugs on the street . Our family members need to be educated to understand our health problem and that we will have good and bad days.
Our medication is to help us just as a diabetic or a heart patient. Now we are the ones suffering and falling through the cracks. We cooperate and what WE know helps us...WHO is there listening to assist us. Stop (others) throwing us ALL into one group! All pain is different and all handle it differently. Never judge another's pain. Prayers for all of you!