I think your comments are very well written.  I, like you, have been on pain management for many years.  I am 72 and pain has become a part of life, but so far has been manageable with opioids, and injections and physical therapy when needed.  I mainly deal with nerve damage from a shoulder dislocation 10 years ago, and back pain which extends down my legs.  I have a wonderful pain management doctor who has worked with me for years.  We have tried all types of medications typically for nerve pain and they don’t work for me.  I tried Lyrica for a while which did have a little benefit, but caused quick weight gain, which I felt would be adverse for my back problems, so I stopped it.

I live alone now since my husband passed away last year.  My pain doctor’s office is on the opposite side of town from where I live, but I don’t want to lose him.  We have developed a mutual trust.  we have a contract and I have no problem giving a urine sample whenever he wants it to see if I am following our agreement.  I worry that I may have to move someday to be closer to family, or worse into assisted care where I won’t have a doctor that understands my situation and takes all of these governmental guidelines as gospel instead of giving best treatment.

I am very careful and understand peoples concerns about opioid addiction.  My sister died of an overdose.  She had broken her back, had two failed surgeries and in the 90’s had a doctor  that gave her whatever she wanted.  She went through rehab twice. She was not only on opioids, but also anti-depression and anti-anxiety meds.  Unfortunately, she overdosed in 2017.  I hate taking opioids.  I get no high or good feeling, but I do get relief from constant pain and have to deal with the side effect of constipation.

Your comments are right on and I am hopeful that the people who make the rules and write the recommendations can understand theater one size does not fit all.