@jesfactsmon

I'm finding it hard to communicate with the pcp on the subject of pain control. He just keeps saying the same old things ( about opioids specifically). During the phone visit I had to interject "yes, but..." several times, trying to keep him focused on me and my treatment plan, instead of the statistical analysis by the government. I think it would be better if my pain meds were managed by a chronic pain specialist, which would happen if I got a pain pump implant.

When I told Marilyn that the doctor gave me a 15mg increase, she said something negative - I don't remember the specific words. She really doesn't like that I take a narcotic. She thinks that I don't think clearly because of it. I know that opioids do cause cognitive impairment if someone takes more than they should, but I don't think I'm there yet. My memory has been less than stellar most of my life. I've always depended on lists - Evernote on my phone is my external hard drive. Being 70 naturally affects a person's memory, too. But until I find a non-narcotic pain medicine, morphine will be in my veins.

I turned off the scs last night, to see how that compares with the newest setting. I'm turning it back on now because my feet and ankles are up to 8. I'm trying to figure out what the different therapy levels will do to the pain. Today I finished putting the railing on the front steps, and I'm pleased with how it looks and with how sturdy it is. If it gets warm enough tomorrow, I'll put on a coat of deck stain. But right now I need to get the kitchen cleaned up. Marilyn made a bit of a mess making a big batch of spaghetti sauce, using some of the bountiful harvest of tomatoes. She makes a great spaghetti sauce.

Jim