Several years ago, I was diagnosed by a spine specialist (surgeon) that my condition was inoperable. He wanted me to do epidural steroid injections but my PCP didn't agree, based on what I did for a living, and other factors. Instead, he chose to treat me with an opioid that I could get from my pharmacy without any problems. Since the CDC's campaign became headline news, my doctor won't write it anymore, for fear of losing his license.
I can end this life, or try the black market, but my pension(s) are supporting me and my wife.
I don't know how much longer I can stay the course, as the "pain days" are getting pretty intense. Is there any way to get the government out of my personal life beside taking it? Get back to cheap medicines that work?
Peace to you.
I am for any pain mgmt option.
Re: traction- several years ago I developed numbness & tingling down an arm and neck pain. MRI showed cervical spine herniation. My Ortho also prescribed cervical traction and it worked 100%! I have never had a problem since (knock on wood).
Lately, getting help with pain can be a difficult task in the United States. You almost feel like a criminal when you ask a doctor for pain medication, and the pharmacies are becoming more and more stringent and unreliable with their stock. Opioid addiction and abuse is a serious problem and our country is dealing with it with some extreme methods.
I moved to Mexico 5 years ago, to a location where there are thousands of American expats. And, although my reason for moving was not for seeking pain medication, it is much easier to get pain medication in Mexico, and cheaper to get medical care. There are many very good doctors here that speak English and they have excellent modern medical facilities. A doctor's visit for a specialist costs around $50 US and about $5 for a family doctor. I pay about $150 US for 100 10 mg. tablets of Methadone, which is 2 doses. So the box will last about 100 days, about a 3 month supply. So, my meds cost me about what my co-pay would be in the U.S. Same for doctor's visits.
Moving to Mexico may be extreme for you, but I have met many other expats that have moved to Mexico for health care reasons. I came because of the weather and the cost of living. And fate would have it that my pain is under control with medication.
One last note. I had a cervical disc replacement done in Mexico and all went well. My U.S. insurance footed the bill.
Whatever you do, I hope you find relief and that you do not have to go through difficult hurdles to get there.
My dad is a retired physician/surgeon & he told me about a friend whose med wasn't covered because it was a lotion but the ointment [or vise versa] was but the same med so talk to the pharmasist to see how to get things covered - FYI you are paying for that info in the price of your meds so use that to your advantage