I'm almost 50 and I've been living with pain for about 15 years.  I had a great doc who really understood my desire for quality of life versus quantity.  I DO NOT want pain to run my life.  And, yet, here I am.  It's Christmas and I couldn't go see my family today because it's a long drive and my new doc couldn't take the time to refill a script.   My work life is being affected-after 20 years of being a valued employee, over the last 6 months it seems I've become expendable-in every way.   No one cares.  And I'm tired of the struggle.  Constantly trying to convince people that you're in pain.  Being treated like a drug adict and/or like an idiot (I can't call in a script for NORCO you have to have that in hand---excuuuuse me?  These docs should grow a set, when they want to say no instead of flat out lying.)  Doctors are far more concerned about narcotic usage than pain management.  I think it's just too hard - and what is there to live for anyway?  In 10 years I'll be really miserable, and as one very compassionate doc said to me, homeless, because no one will want to treat me.  I've tried so hard to do the right things, exercise, nutrition, being informed, following their rules.  I just can't stand the fact that my life, my ability to live the way I want is dependent on some middle-aged guy who doesn't give a *** about ME - or managing my pain.  I want to make sure that if I die soon - they will know that it was ON PURPOSE because I couldn't take it anymore and NOT accidental.  WHEN will the medical society GET IT?