Hello.I'm a 44 y/o woman.breaking my neck and a failed surgery to fuse the bones,led me to be on disabilty.Then , came chronic pain & severe depression.my dr.had me on unbelievably,high doses of oxcontin & klonipin for several, very blurry years.then , came severe dependence and addiction to these pills.4 years of methadone(110mgs daily) then 3 years of subutex (three 8mg pills in am & two 8 mg pills in pm)i am down to 4 mgs of subutex,daily.I am close to running out of the subs ,completely.I had to quit because I cannot pay for it.I'm trying to live off $700.00 a month... impossible.I'm sick & tired of being sick & tired.I feel powerless over my life.I am eaten up by guilt and pain.my family is having big problems(financial).here , I am useless to myself or anybody else.I am isolated in a very very small town.I have not had 1 single friend ever since I moved here(4 years ago) to be near my family.no one to talk to,no car or public transportation. No hope in sight to help my family or myself.please,don't tell me to ,call a counsler/shrink.I've had a very bad experiences, twice.how can I "get a life"?sorry, so long winded. Thanks for reading.

For pain I'd suggest medical marijuana, ingested rather than smoked.
I'd try one interview with a chiropractor, who can tell you if your situation is appropriate.
After 30+ years of pain, not as bad as yours but enough to change the course of my life, I went to a chiropractor and he helped me in about 30 visits. It wasn't back pain, but spinal nerves go all over the body.
For family dependence guilt, I'd suggest looking into a roommate share with 1 or 2 others, eventually. I think it could be done depending on where you live, even on 700/mo and need for medications. It would mean limiting expenses to just groceries and bare essentials.
I'll bet you 'contribute' in many ways, cooking, walking the dog, and they really do appreciate you.
As far as I know, all pharmaceutical companies have programs for free meds to those who can't pay. Find their websites and contact them.
You could apply for Medicaid (state) who will have prescription options with or without co-pay, and look into your state's options for non-Medicaid subsidized prescription plans. Whether you live with family or have roommates, you are still a household of 1.
You are articulate and could start a pain blog/discussion site, or join one.
There are advances in pain treatment all the time (not enough though right?). Did I read about botox for pain?
Medicare will pay for a TENS unit. They may promote healing but I don't think they cure anything, but do feel good.
Sorry if I'm stating what you already know and have tried.

Dear joypulv, May your God bless you , always. I'm so touched by your answer.I want to thank you for the time that you must have taken on it. I am in Pennsylvania.So , medical marijuana is illegal and VERY frowned upon by most people who live here

Continued(my bad)I have a non-union of fusion c-5&c-6 so, a chiropractor may kill/cripple me.I gave my tens unit away.It didn't work.My "town" has only 500 people. I have not made 1 friend here in the years ,I've been here.I just feel very out of place... I don't know... this too shall pass ,there are worse problems, I know.I feel validated and not so alone because of your answer joypulv. Thanks for your caring nature.We need more people like you in this world.

hello.i'm a 44 y/o woman.breaking my neck and a failed surgery to fuse the bones,led me to be on disabilty.Then , came chronic pain & severe depression.my dr.had me on unbelievably,high doses of oxcontin & klonipin for several, very blurry years.then , came severe dependance and addiction to these pills.4 years of methadone(110mgs daily) then 3 years of subutex (three 8mg pills in am & two 8 mg pills in pm)i am down to 4 mgs of subutex,daily.I am close to running out of the subs ,completly.i had to quit because i cannot pay for it.i'm trying to live off of $700.00 a month...impossible.i'm sick & tired of being sick & tired.i feel powerless over my life.i am eaten up by guilt and pain.my family is having big problems(financial).here , i am useless to myself or anybody else.i am isolated in a very very small town.i have not had 1 single friend ever since i moved here(4 years ago) to be near my family.no one to talk to,no car or public transportation. no hope in sight to help my family or myself.please,don't tell me to ,call a counsler/shrink.i've had a very bad experiences, twice.how can i "get a life"?sorry, so long winded. thanks for reading.Try going to DFACS & applying for Medicade&Medicare Beneficiaries Plan(Hopefully you'll get accepted/get a check for 3 months of Part B the a RAISE next month. Tom Hopkins

Hi again.
Just want to say something about medical pot. Most states are getting ready to change. You are surrounded by NY and OH who have both allowed it and decriminalized it. The pain relief is well known and widely accepted and would be just what you need, and it's much better than what you are taking. If someone could send you some pot brownies... I know, it's illegal to send through the mail...
I'd also try the TENS again, because even though they don't cure anything, didn't it feel at least a little bit good?
I wish I lived in a MM state. I'd turn our house into a group home for people with pain.