After being on OxyContin for 11 years, plus OxyIR and now on my 2nd internal morphine pump, all I can say is that I'm thankful I have a great doctor who's willing to look at my damage and try and control the pain as best as possible. While I'm far from pain free, I am able to maintain a better quality of life thanks to these very expensive medications. When I had my first morphine pump battery fail, I really saw how big a difference this pain management protocol was making in my daily life.

Stop being scared of the hard hitting drugs. According to my Mayo's trained doctor only 1 to 3% of those taking these drugs ever become hooked. While there is a certain degree of body dependence, that's not the same. When I have watched those same TV shows you've watched about the horrors of taking these medications I've gone to my doctor asking if I was hurting my life more than helping it. His response, "Stop watching them!"

There are people who abuse the living heck out of medications for all the wrong reasons, but when there's the real physical damage that necessitates the need for these drugs, they save our lives and make it possible so we can still find new ways to live life though with perhaps a different set of limitations. Best of luck and don't let the bad press and overly judgmental people who have no idea about what life is like when you're living with the pain loads we consider normal scare you into making the wrong choice. Last of all, when you're with a doctor with a great reputation and who's well trained, there's nothing to be scared of. For all those in that one county in Florida who are nothing more than addicts taking what's referred to as the OxcyContin Express, I can only say I feel sorry for you. What I'd give to not have to take these drugs, so why in the world would anyone do it on purpose? Meanwhile, those of us who are very injured are blessed that they're out there. Bob.