I worded that incorrectly, it should read POSSIBLE ruptured disc but almost for sure arthritis since I have OA in several joints and advanced stages. The thing that puzzles me is how the hell did I go all these years with a broken back undiagnosed? I think it was probably from a car wreck something like 30 years ago but had x-rays at the time and no one saw it then so who knows? It sure explains the lower back problems I've had for so long no matter what it is. They ask about pain down my legs but that's not happening. I do get numbness in my feet but that could just be circulation. Next time I go to the doc I'll ask more questions but it seems to me if there was a serious problem that needed attention he'd have said something. He's a DO and a pretty good doctor but he doesn't like people getting surgery if it can be avoided. That has nothing to do with Goddamnacare.

Pain meds don't do a whole lot for me either but they are better than nothing. I hear you about it taking enough to make you stupid(er) to really "kill" pain, if it can be called that. It's more of masking pain. I do not like them, I get side effects from EVERYTHING. I can't see how anyone could take opiates for fun, they sure aren't any fun for me and I only take them as I really need to. I've tried the synthetic stuff and it sorta works but makes me feel like shit. No matter what it is a choice between hurting like hell or feeling sick. Sometimes I can strike a workable balance.