(((((((((((((((((((((( ww )))))))))))))))))))))))))

Here are some things I know about chronic pain, and living with it. I share some of your fears as we discussed. I've lived with chronic facial pain since I was 20 and had the first reconstructive surgery to my right maxiallary sinus...from there it got worse.

I was worried about addiction as well and my pain management specialist said, "According to a well done Harvard study (along with others), people who take narcotics for pain may become physically dependent but not psychologically addicted, and the psychological addiction is where the real trouble lies. There is a difference between use and abuse. I use, I don't abuse. I get no "high"." She also said, "Physical dependence is much easier to overcome if and when it's appropriate for a patient. Psychological addiction is hard to overcome."

I guess you need to decide whether or not you abuse you medication, if you're taking it for a "high" as opposed to managing pain. If you're "using" your medication to attempt to function more normally in life, then chances are you are not "addicted". This, however, does not mean that your body doesn't have a physical depence to these meds...you couldn't quit taking them cold turkey. You need to decide within yourself that it's ok to use the medications meant for people like us and know that that's what they're made for.

I struggled with these issues too ww. I was put on something that had much less tylenol and feel better about possible damage to liver. If your dr is aware of all the meds that you're on and she feels that your within the guidelines of daily acetomenophen use, then you probably are.

I hate taking meds ( 1 med ) everyday, throughout the day, but then I look back to my life before them...the e.r. visits, the dr visits, the almost bankruptcy due to so many visits, the lack of respect from family tired of my complaining, my much decreased emtional health due to pain issues, etc...the list goes on. When I look back, I realize that even though I don't like it, it's much better than the alternative.

I hope this helps you some, and remember...there's a difference between use and abuse.

Be safe,

Kimmydawn