I understand the serious situation with the abuse of opioids and how it can dramatically affect a family when someone dies. At the same time I think that there is a problem being overlooked — the aging people, like me, who have chronic pain for various reasons.

I am 75 and have severely arthritic knees and hips, which on certain days can make it excruciating to walk around, even though I use a cane. I used to get a fixed amount of oxycodone every month that kept my pain in check. When the state changed the rules, it left me with nothing other than over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil, and that just does not work for me.

They now have a 28-day contract that you can sign for opioid pain medication, but when you read the 26 rules before you sign you are made to feel like a convict. They can call you from the doctor’s office at any time to come in and be urine tested — with a person watching you. They also count your pills to make sure you are not selling them.

There are a lot of pills being sold by people that come by them illegally, but what about those of us that need them? Why do we have to live with pain all day long? You can see why some people turn to buying pills from an illegal source, or why others turn to heroin.

I have to go to my business every day, and I would prefer to have a lot less pain. This should be considered by the rulemakers. They should reconsider the needs of the elderly that helped get this state to where it is, and remember that some day they will also be a lot older and might need pain medication.

Dominick Rinaldi Sr.

Skowhegan