Yes don't even get me started on doctors, the one I go to now and have been since almost the beggining is the one I am sticking with because not only does he have the greatest understanding of PTSD, but he also understands how the chronic pain IS NOT helpful to my psychiatric health. You have a big load to carry right now and when you hurt the weight of it gets unbearable. Did they say why pain meds would not be a good idea for you? I know since I have been on this regiment of medication to address all my issues it has left me able to work at psycho threapy much better. I did not want the meds either, but I did not have choice. Pain only amplfys what we are already going through, it is fatiguing and nagging and leaves you so exhausted you really do not have enough energy to work on the PTSD, and for me it was causing so much more anxiety. Once we started getting the pain to a lower level not completly gone, because I do not think anything will make it go away totaly, the psych meds were backed off and yes I have those really down days but nothing like before when I was hurting so bad. I fired the last Neuro who did NOTHING for me because hey what the hell do I pay the HUGE bill for if you are not going to take care of my needs. I know how hard it is and now with your son going through what he is it is rough. Just hang in there and hopefully one of your docs will get a CLUE as to what is really needed for you.