Doctors have been scared by the prosecutions and law suits over opioids, or the over prescribing of them. There are CDC guidelines that tell them to try NSAIDS like Tylenol, ibuprofen and Naproxen first, then Gabapentin.

However, the same guidelines state that these guidelines/restrictions do not apply to cancer patients. In the opening statement (Box 1) of the document it states, "These recommendations do not apply to patients experiencing pain associated with the following conditions or settings: pain management related to sickle cell disease, cancer-related pain treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care." It repeats this statement in a couple other places as well.

Here is a link:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1...

I would print the first page and take it with me and have your doctor read it. Then ask them why they won't prescribe something more powerful than Tylenol.

Luckily, my VA oncologists have never hesitated to prescribe for me. I don't ask unless I need it though. The PCPs have, but that was for different causes of pain.

CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022 | MMWRMinusSASstats

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm?s_cid=rr7103a1_w

My PCP refered me 2 palliative care as soon as she found out I had cancer!! That's!@#$!!!!

U need 2 ask 4 PALLIATIVE CARE!!!

Palliative care will help. Ask to be referred by your oncologist.🙏

Ya know my pCp duznt prescribe "real" pain meds either! I guess thats probably sum of their preference idk...but at least they can b humane enuf 2 refer u 2 palliative!