I personally don't think I could. I went through all stages (almost 3 years before diagnosis & treatment) and am in excruciating pain were it not for the medication. During those 3 years I didn't get anything for pain relief.

My "pain plan" was only established 2004. And I have this since 1995! So you can imagine. At the time it was also far more important to treat and see what possibly still could be done (nothing unfortunately).

I never *ever* thought of amputation. Yes, I wanted to get rid of the pain, but... never my limbs. Odd how that is different for everybody!

It is a controversial topic, IMMHO. Everyone does what's right for him / her, there is no right or wrong way to go about this.

We are all so different!

Good luck to OP!