How do you get your doctor to increase your pain meds without looking like a junkie?

Beside being my Dr he's been a long time friend. Makes such a difference. He tells me that is why he worries. After losing most of my hip bone in 96 my I never complained about the pain until my practitioner one day asked if I would like some relief. I said sure. I had not dealt with such pain relievers. But she was right because they got me back on track with daily life. She had the doctor sign a script for 5 mg Endocet. Maybe a year later she raised it to 7.5 and so on.
So it's been this long and of course the meds are not helping to keep me pain free. Age and hard labored jobs have taken a toll on me. I have so much crippling arthritis through entire body. Not one or two but many prolapsed discs from top to bottom (still working hard ). So many I know complain with back issues and I use to say it's part of aging and work. But now I am in excruciating pain with neck and back. And the burning is real.

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Hi sdroper,
Buddy and Anonymous gave you great advice.
It’s good that you are going to the same doctor and have established a relationship.
As mentioned, it is expected to develop a tolerance.
Probably the best way to present your case is to start a journal and bring it to your appointment.
Write down the times you are taking the meds and the time when the pain is taking control.
Write down how it’s affecting your life and how your lifestyle is being affected.
An example would be that you no longer go out walking because it increases your pain.
Write down your pain numbers throughout the day so he sees how many hours you are in pain.
They need to see how your life is changed in regards to basic functions.
Do NOT say you cannot go out on Friday nights. Lol... I’m being extreme.
DO say you are only sleeping 5 hours a night. You are eating only half meals twice a day because of the pain.

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