Hello, I am a disabled veteran diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis in my back (mostly pain in the lumbar from old injuries) and in my knees which I have undergone several operations including one joint replacement. I also suffer from migraine type headaches due shoulder strain when using my ergo chair at my computer, and/or anxiety stress.

Lately, my disabling pain in my lumbar has increased and I am experiencing significantly more pain and severe cramping in my left leg from my hip to the instep of my foot (the calf goes into a swimmers cramp and wakes me immediately from sleep).  Now, I am having similar issues in my right leg.

I have undergone many types of therapy and I believe that I may be having some nerve damage as well, although a diagnosis a few years ago was negative.

I have been on synthetic morphine and oxycodone daily for several years and I am wanting to know what the long term effect that taking so much pain medications can have on my body and mind.  Am I developing any vitamin or mineral deficienies?  I also take lithium for bipolar disorder and clonazepan for anxiety.

Thank you,

Michael Surles