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It does seem like she's on a lot of medication BUT -- being a chronic pain patient myself, I understand why she's aging. Chronic pain is VERY difficult to live with and if you don't have it yourself, there is NO WAY you can understand what it does to you. Very seldom does a chronic pain patient become addicted to their mediations. A very SMALL percentage of people do.
Just because she has a spinal cord stimulator doesn't mean that her pain IS reduced. I had one too, and it didn't seem to help at all. The stimulator works for NERVE pain, not for mechanical pain so if she has that kind of pain too, it's not being relieved.
I've been a chronic painer for over 25 years, and my kids tell me that I've aged alot in the last few years. That's because the pain has taken a huge toll on me. No, I do not abuse my meds -- I take them only as prescribed --- but fighting pain 24/7 is difficult.
You may be completely correct in that your Mom is possibly mis-using her medications -- but try to see the other side of it too. Chronic pain is emotionally and physically difficult and some people don't cope with it well.
I wish you the very best and you're all in my prayers. God bless. Hugs, Lee
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