I've been opioids for quite a number of years (6 or 7). While I still do have 24/7 pain; other than the constipation, they have enabled me to get thru each day with 5-7 pain. I do have spikes that occasionally go higher. If I am on my feet too long, they will begin burning.

Early on, my first PM had be try Lyrica and Cymbalta. The Lyrica made my legs feel like bugs crawling on them. With the Cymbalta, I was so tired, could hardly function. After a short time, I received a notice thru the Pharmacy that provided information about those who were taking Imitrex or migraine medications that Cymbalta can be lethal. I stopped the Cymbalta. After a few weeks stopped the Lyrica as well. It seems the only thing that gave me some quality of life were the opioids. The downside of the opioids is the constipation. I take Miralax daily
to keep things moving.

As you mentioned, it is an individual choice. Sometimes tho, choices are limited to what will control the pain to a level of a better quality of life.


Gerry