I haven't read all the replies, but I'm thinking because I also have had amitriptyline for years and oxycodone for the past year for arthritic pain. I seemed better for a while with the pain med, but it doesn't do much for me now.

I looked online months ago, and it suggests that we actually feel more pain, or have lower tolerance for pain because of the opioid. I only get 2 5/325 a day. I know I should wean off of it, because I told my doctor that it also helped my depression (I was caregiving for my dad and he recently passed.)

My doctor is honest, he won't raise my dose even though my pain is worse. He told me though that it sure would be good if I could take it as an antidepressant... sadly that's not what it's used for.

I'm sorry for your loss. Maybe a change would help? That's what I'm thinking of doing for myself.