Brief Answer: Please, have an honest discussion with them Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this difficulty to get your medications refilled since your regular doctor retired. I know these are controlled substances and because of the high tendency to abuse them, regulations are fast tightening up and physicians shying away from prescribing them. Though regulated, no physician would be condemned if the prescription is justified. However, others simply shy away and patients get to bear the highest burden of this. I will suggest that you have an honest argument with these doctors to understand why he would not prescribe these medications. If he has a better alternative, tell him you would be more than comfortable to try it out because all that matters is living pain free no matter what drug that is. With three crushed vertebrae, there must be a great deal of pain you are going through without these medications to control your pains. The best way is not to insist on the drugs you have been taking before but to just let him/her manage your pains appropriately. If he should choose to start with less potent pain medications, accept and see what pan he has. Follow through with him on this and see where that leads you to. For sure he would keep climbing the ladder until he gets to these powerful pain medications to propose something that works for you. I understand this is certainly not how things are supposed to be but then it may be the only feasible way for you to move on. I hope this helps and addresses your query fully. I wish you well. Feel free to ask fr more information if need be and clarifications. Thanks for using our services. Dr.. Ditah, MD.

---