Question: I have been in pain management for 10 years now. I contracted Lyme Disease that was not diagnosed until its later stages. Doctors believe that the Lyme triggered an acute case of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (I was diagnosed by a M.D., Neurologist, and a Rheumatologist). I was then referred to a Rheumatologist in Bethesda, MD, who specialized in Fibro. He tested and studied almost every part of my body from head to toe. He even discovered that I had a knee injury that required surgery (I just thought it was arthritis.) Since my early 20's, I had a severe case of Endometriosis and also suffered from injuries from car accidents, etc.; however, nothing got me down. At my Rheumatologist's recommendations, I exercised, received massages and exercise from a Physical Therapist, practiced Acupuncture, did Yoga, and water exercise. I even drastically changed my diet. However, nothing seemed to work. The Rheumatologist tried everything he could think of to assist me with pain and exhaustion. My health was still going down hill very quickly. Finally, we had to resort to a pain patch (Fentanyl) and pain pills (Oxy.) They made a world of difference. I was finally able to enjoy life again. No narcotics ever take all my pain away, but it was an improvement that I could certainly live with. Two years ago, my Rheumatologist retired. I now have a new doctor who specializes in Lyme and Post-Lyme patients and knows a great deal about Fibro. He believes the pain meds. I was taking were too strong and harmful, so he prescribed a pain patch (Butran) and pain pills (Nucynta). They worked just fine. However, he then said that, due to major side affects, I cannot stay on pain meds. forever and he started weaning me off. I agreed to try. However, during the weaning stage and now that I have been totally off the patch for 16 days, I really feel like I am on my death bed. Trust me, I am not exaggerating!! I am overcome with overall pain and exhaustion and can hardly get out of bed to go potty. My house and life are now totally falling apart. He keeps telling me to "hang in there--you will see--you will be feeling so much better." How long do I have to wait?! I realize that narcotics can affect your liver and kidneys. However, at 63 years of age, shouldn't I have the right to choose quality of life versus quantity of years to live? If I have to feel like this the remainder of my life, I have to be quite honest, I do not want to live. Laying in bed everyday with severe pain gets old really fast. In addition, my husband does not believe in Fibro. and Chronic Fatigue. He believes that I am faking my symptoms for either attention or due to laziness. I have prayed and prayed for a cure--any kind of assistance with this pain/exhaustion. I was even blessed by a healing priest. Apparently, God has a mission for me that I am not aware of. Any ideas or suggestions?