I feel so badly for you, Billye. You have been so brave fighting this pain for so long. I can't even remember how long, but it seems like a very long time...

I don't know a lot about some of the pain medications, but you may recall me mentioning my friend here who is on Methadone. I don't know enough about it to recommend it, other than IF you ever take it, don't do it without a doctor monitoring this...

My friend though at least has a life. Granted, it is not exactly like it was before, but she is able to get around and take care of a teenage son... I want to say she is on a combination of that along with something else-maybe Oxycodone... Can't remember.

Please, don't resist taking something to give you some comfort and pain relief. Your life may not be as it was before, but if this could give you some relief, a little peace and maybe a few smiles, wouldn't that be worth it to you? Taking pain medication so that you can have a life should be considered an acceptable means of obtaining relief. You will not be viewed in the same manner as someone who takes drugs to get high... Not one of us here in this forum would EVER consider you a drug addict, nor would those close to you who love you and have seen the kind of suffering you go through. Trust me on that!!! It really is OK...

What she says about it being hard to find someone to prescribe these-she is dead serious and not exaggerating in the least. I don't know how most of these doctors think patients like this can function... Many are left to suffer, which is outrageous!!! There is one very good pain management doctor close, although I don't know if he prescribes the pump...

Maybe this is primarily a problem with Texas doctors, I don't know...

I have rambled on enough... Billye, please go for whatever you have to take to give yourself a break... And, don't look back...

Cathie