chronic pain
"In 1983, I had a T5-L3 spinal fusion because of scoliosis.  In 2007, I was hit by a drunk driver; after 10 months of rehab I was finally able to go back to work but in 2010 my back and neck pain started getting worse & worse until in April 2011 I could not work anymore.  After doing additional testing, we found that along with severe multi-level degenerative joint disease, 4 of the 10 fusion levels had been broken.  I am still awaiting surgery (insurance problems) and have been using fentanyl patches with Percocet for breakthrough pain for about 7 months.  It has worked very well until recently.  I have not had any severe itching like I did with other meds.  I do take Colace (stool softener) daily and occasionally laxatives."