[ksos]

I am not gonna start another 300 response post about my way of integrating my recovery and pain management, only to say that I am currently utilizing PO narcotic medication which is very closely supervised by a pain management specialist to manage a 4 year plus chronic pain condition caused by pancreatitis which I was sadly informed, may never go away.

In a few days, I will be undergoing a minor surgical procedure, but a major psychological adjustment, which will involve a morphine pump being put into my back in order to administer regulated pain control. In my physician's view, this will put an end to my ever increasing need for PO opiate medication and eliminate the negative symptoms that my current regimen is causing, such as slurred speech, blurry vision, nightmares, and, basically, ineffective pain control at this point. I will also be taken off two very strong medications which have sincerely helped me for the majority of the time I have had pancreatitis, but are largely ineffective now.

That is the way I have elected to put an end to a quality of life which I have shared with most people here. Also, I would never suggest even considering this procedure, unless recommended by a team of medical and addiction specialists.

You asked a terrific question and look forward to reading other folk's responses to this topic!