I don't think I have ever been denied access to medication or had anyone discriminate against me because of my age or had a dr with attitude or anything because of it. I was injured at 29, and I'm now 31, but I just haven't had those problems. However, that said, I'm always willing to drug test, I'm always willing to try patches, or new meds, as long as I have something for breakthrough pain. And I've never run out of meds early and it's been years I've been receiving them. I also don't change drs very often, I only see new drs when I am referred. Also, a huge part of it is, my hand LOOKS painful. It LOOKS like it hurts...so I think they find it easier to treat pain when there are signs and not only symptoms of pain. I can't imagine if my hand looked better how much more difficult everything would be.