Have you ever been treated like a drug seeker or drug addict? Insensitive doctors, nurses, surgeons, even friends, and family, have been known to question those who live with chronic pain about their legitimate need for pain medication. Living with spondylitis means pain and pain relief. Dealing with hurtful comments on top of that is an added burden.

On MySpondylitisTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with axSpA and other types of spondylitis, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Being treated like a drug seeker is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are some conversations about being treated like a drug seeker:

• Pain is difficult and doctors and pharmacy make me feel like a drug addict just to get pain meds.

• I learned quickly to just be honest. I doubt they listed you as a drug seeker.

• I got treated like an addict when I was seeing a pain management doctor for injection and he hit a nerve. Put me in the worst pain I've ever been in.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about being treated like a drug seeker:

• Has a "professional" eg, Dr. surgeon, specialist ever doubted your pain? Looked at you like you are crazy or a drug seeker?

• I avoid the ER because I tend to be treated like a drug addict. Anyone also?

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MySpondylitisTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.