I have had type I diabetes x 51 years and slowly, but surely even with great care I have developed neuropathy and edema in my legs and feet and hands.  I hurt so badly that at times I think I'm going mad. I have been tried on all of the old and new drugs, Lyrica, Neurontin, Cymbalta, Metanx, Tegreatol etc... all with great intolerable side effects. My primary care doctor has me on Lortab, Valium and Ambien. He just hospitalized me for ten days for cellulitis and severe neuropathy of the lower legs and feet. Demerol around the clock along with IV antibiotics and fluid. My question is, why do other doctors worry about me becoming addicted when it helps so much? I take insulin, heart and BP medicine, cholesterol med, ASA etc.   All of these medications have a purpose and without one or all of them I would probably die. Am I not addicted to these.  I am not worried about this stage of being addicted as long as I would be able to take the pain meds correctly. They help.   These young doctors act like I have a long life ahead and I don't, but what I do have is the desire to be functional and enjoy what time I have left.
I feel sad, hurt and confused.