Depression after long-term chronic pain? 9 back surgery on lumbar due to infection of cord. 4 cervical fusions....I hurt but how can I overcome pain and depression...after years of high doses of opioid....now have no reason to get up...its sad .what alternatives are there to opioid?
Hello, There are many treatments other than opioids that you can try to help with the pain.  In particular, there are some antidepressants that can help with pain as well, such as duloxetine, that might be a good choice for you.  So I would suggest discussing this with your doctor, and hopefully, that can help some with both your pain and your feelings of depression. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor.