I question these medications just like you do. There are quite a few posts around that are talking about this. This site was created to talk, without influence of doctors so we can learn from each other. Of course ask your doctor all questions too. All these medications carry risk of one kind or another. I am having issues right now regarding them as well. I have more medication for pain, but I am afraid to take it, knowing that after this surgery I will be weened down. It is awful to withdraw from the medications. All issues have to me ckecked with a good pain specialist, so you stay out of as much trouble as you can. I have degenerative joint disease which is progressing and I am fighting taking more medications and living with more pain because of my fear right now over the reduction problems I may have after the proceedure. I am in touch with my doctor and I tell him everything. However, I will be on these medications one way or another if I intend to stay walking at all, for the rest of my life. Right now I am at a stand still, not knowing what to do really, as I am trying to prevent future withdrawl problems, while geting some kind of pain relief so I can continue to keep on trucking. I am going back in to talk about this issue, since I really don't know what to do. These medications do offer relief, to get you through a day. As your pain levels go up however, they help less as time goes on. That is the stiuation I am in. Even with the best doctors in the world, you have to be careful when taking them, keep a pain journal, and stay close to your doctor.
I do wish all pain patients all the best. These issues are not easy to address. ginnie