To be followed by more rules then even MORE RULES!
I'm off most pain pills, 'occasionally' either a tramadol or a tylenol! Why? Because the meds only knock things down 1/2 to one point on the pain scales. I have learned to live with the big TRADE-OFF! I live in pain? But, I've gotten used to the day-to-day. The real pains? I take a pill, yes, but don't expect much at all.
Last year, when I'd broken my leg? I was on the BIG-TIME pain meds & a LOT of them. They didn't do too much for the pain, per-se? But they sure muzzied the brain so I didn't care so much.
I've gotten used to the pains, I'm not happy with them [at all!] But, I like having my mind in the here and now for when I truly need it! It's not excruciating as it was at onset, that or I'm simply used to it now. Some suggest that I go to a 'pain specialist' on occasion, I refuse- and will continue to do so until I really can't stand it any longer! Besides? I've not heard of anyone stellar in my part of the world, and I don't want to sign my life away to extra psych evaluations and other crud that really isn't necessary.
My current docs control my pain meds, one doc prescribes 95% of them, except in the emergencies.... I don't abuse them? I hate the constipation! THAT is a trade-off we don't need to deal with! IF we can avoid it.
Heaven help us all! !'s - j