Hi Lola! Ive wondered how you were doing so Im glad to see you checked in.

My doc explained the need for pain meds to me several years ago. He said as long as you are taking them as prescribed for legitimate pain then a patient will never become addicted. Its being used as it was intended and not for a quick "high". A patient can become dependent on pain meds which is not the same as addicted. Heres some more info about this subject....

NIH addiction vs dependence of pain meds

About the altitude sickness, Ive been affected by it too. Maybe because after battling cancer and going thru brutal treatments, recovery is not an easy road. Maybe that makes survivors/patients more susceptible to the effects of altitude? One major factor is being hydrated. From what the ER doc told me, I was getting dehydrated which played a big part in why I was affected so much by the height. Planes dont bother me as long as I pay attention to my intake.

Hope this helps you.

Be well