Many people living with chronic pain know that asking for help can already be a vulnerable step. But in some cases, whether it's asking for stronger medication, an adjustment, or even non-narcotic relief like topical anaesthetics, patients are being met with suspicion, judgement, or outright refusal, even when the request is completely reasonable and medically necessary.
It can feel incredibly invalidating, as if being in pain isn't “enough” to be taken seriously any more.
Some examples that others have shared:
Beingdenied a steroid taper or muscle relaxant after a fall or injury.
Beingtreated like a potential “drug seeker” simply for filling regular prescriptions.
Beingasked invasive questions at the pharmacy like, “Why do you need this medication?” despite having long-term, well-documented conditions.
Beingtold to just “take more acetaminophen” even when it's already ineffective.
While it's important to prevent misuse, it feels like the pendulum has swung so far that many people with legitimate needs are now facing unnecessary barriers to basic pain management and dignity.
👉 Have you ever felt judged, doubted, or denied treatment when seeking pain relief?
👉 How did it make you feel, and how did you handle it?
Somya.P
Community managerGood advisor
Somya.P
Community manager
Last activity on 26/06/2025 at 16:13
Joined in 2023
647 comments posted | 12 in the Chronic pain Forum
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Hi everyone,
I hope you're doing as well as possible today.🌼
Many people living with chronic pain know that asking for help can already be a vulnerable step. But in some cases, whether it's asking for stronger medication, an adjustment, or even non-narcotic relief like topical anaesthetics, patients are being met with suspicion, judgement, or outright refusal, even when the request is completely reasonable and medically necessary.
It can feel incredibly invalidating, as if being in pain isn't “enough” to be taken seriously any more.
Some examples that others have shared:
While it's important to prevent misuse, it feels like the pendulum has swung so far that many people with legitimate needs are now facing unnecessary barriers to basic pain management and dignity.
👉 Have you ever felt judged, doubted, or denied treatment when seeking pain relief?
👉 How did it make you feel, and how did you handle it?
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Would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or advice for others going through the same thing.💬
Take care everyone,
Somya from the Carenity Team🌼