I agree, Ada. If I didn't tell ppl that I was on fentanyl and percocet on a daily basis, nobody would know. A GOOD pain doctor will control your pain to a semi-tolerable level, but not have you so drugged up that you cannot function, or APPEAR to be on drugs.

The way my pain doc explained it to me, pain medication works with the part of hte brain that is responsible for feeling and sensing pain. Those of us who are really in pain and who take pain meds, won't appear "drugged up" because the drugs have a "purpose" in that area of the brain.

BUT

Those who AREN'T in pain, but take the pain meds for recreational use WILL appear "drugged up" because the drugs DON'T have a "purpose" in that area of the brain. Therefore, the "purpose" becomes "getting high."

When you see someone on pain meds who ACTS stoned, its eithr because they MAY be too highly medicated, or they don't have pain and are taking the meds recreationally.

That's why, my pain doc says, when he sees his patients, if they appear to him to be non-functional, as he would say Paula Abdul is, he would reconsider either A). their dosage, or B). the fact that they have pain at all.