Thanks, IceCreamKid, it helps to hear from others who understand.

seeker, I have been avoiding my doctors. I just keep appointments to get the prescriptions that I need. I see my PCP as seldom as that allows. He is giving me scripts for Vicodin, which I use about 3x per week. Pain issues have been getting worse for me. In this day, it is not always easy to get doctors to order strong pain killers on an on-going basis. I feel I have to treasure my connection with a doctor who does.

Thanks for the counsel. I agree that it's good to minimize exposure to hurtful treatment. (Don't they take an oath that starts with "First, do no harm.") I just have to balance things out as best I can. In the fall, I will get Medicare. I hope to move back to a provider I had in the past when I get that. Of course, it will depend if that MD is accepting patients. In any case, I'm fairly sure that I will get away from this system I am involved with now. It's a teaching hospital system that serves the low-incomers of my area.