I am a chronic pain patient. Have degenerative disc disease, peripheral Nueropaty, disability ting in both cases. Other secondary pain as well but those two make my life miserable w/o any quality of life. For the past six years I have been seen by a pin specialist who really went to great lengths in screening patients prior to treatment and then took the time necessary to understand my issues. Despite a colorful past some 30 years ago he took a chance on me. I am Hep C positive because of the so called colorful past, and have unsuccessfully undergone convention treatment. Upon entering treatment for pain neither he nor I knew of this potentially terminal illness. Currently I am a sidelined being seen by the best Hepatologist in W. PA, but he will not address this pain. My last visit with the pain doctor who has provided me with a quality of life was Friday and resulted in sadness and the scripts I have been using for years. Yes, I am Opioid dependent but was comfortable for most part. I figured I have 30 days before I become sick from withdrawal and unable to walk. I have hired a man to come and live with me and my wonderful wife who goes to work to provide me with the best insurance money can buy. I am between a rock and a hard place, as are all his patient. I take 2 Opana each morning and night along with, breakthrough oxycodines. I am also, on Gabapentin, Lyrica, Ritilin (to help lift brain fog caused by Interferon and Ribivarin, it was bad) I am very scared. I have been around the block and know the fine line between addition and habituation, having a Phd in the family who specializes in addiction. I don't need rehab, I need pain relief. If I can attain that without medication, I deal with the withdrawal but doubt that is possible. My Hepatologist suggested a morphine pump but the pain doc disagreed. There is no doubt I am habituated but given my grim prognosis what difference does that make. I am sure to be wheelchair bound, at times screaming in pain. My first visit w/ pain doc after handwriting analysis, lie detection, urine screen etc. lasted literally 5 hours late into the night. This man cared and had more compassion than any man or beast within the hemisphere, he will be sadly but more importantly painfully missed by all who experienced his bedside manner.

I was a sales engine for over 25 years until struck suddenly by the nerve problem. To disabled, I work creating passive income through the stock market. I try a evaluate those companies the market has undervalued, scoop them up and wait for the market to catch up. I have a feeling that I will be out of that game until I can find a doctor that will work with me and my Hepatologist. Th future looks very bleak given the reviews I have been reading. I have been very fortunate thus far despite myself. I doubt anyone will provide me with the level of care and understanding this man did, but some level of treatment would be better than none. If anyone of you can help me please chime in. Without masking the pain, my life is intolerable. I have done everything from Chiro, Wholistic, to physical therapy. The clock is ticking! 30 days to make it to the doctors office on my own accord.

For now, it time to go eat dinner. I'll check my inbox later this eve. It can be a wonderful life! Some pain can be enlightening. Just not debilitating, level 10!

Helpless in Johnstown ,

DWF