I have a couple of medical issues that cause me physical pain. I have cysts in my spinal canal that are essentially bundles of nerves packed in the cysts and probable Rheumatoid Arthritis/poly arthritis. My hematologist/oncologist has been tracking the arthritis for a few years and it would be serum negative which is not very prevalent. I started taking hydrocodiene for about 2 months and them went off that to Tramadol which isn't considered narcotic and stopped that after a couple of months. Now I am taking advil and using a prescription gel that is pretty much souped up aspirin like product.

My problem is I am scared of narcotics. I could easily love them. I have gained my doctors trust with my valium and he even gives me a 90 day prescription. But I have in the past abused any medication that would make me feel good...even things like Tylenol PM.

This has been years ago and I don't abuse any medications or drink alcohol or even smoke weed. I have a job that drug tests me and I have been in a good place for awile thanks to support here and my family.

I am hurting. All the time. Every day. Wake up with it and go to sleep with it. I feel like I need to find something to give me relief. I try massage and it helps for a few days. I don't want to be depending on meds for pain. I don't see my BP meds in this light but I am not afraid of them either.

How do you deal with pain? Should I ask for meds? I use natural or homeopathic remedies but I am at a loss. And i am so tired of hurting.