I have been treated at the Tucson VA for 8 years, and had the same provider for 7 and a half. I had major spinal surgery in 2007, and have been on pain medication ever since. I was taking Morphine 100mg SR two twice a day, and 30mg IR four times a day, for several years. All of a sudden I was switched to a new clinic and doctor, and they immediately started reducing my pain medication by 10 percent every two months, telling me I would feel much better and get better pain relief if taking less. There was no consideration at all about my pain level, the only concern being to cut the cost of my treatment. The medication was cut arbitrarily with no one concerned about the effect on my quality of life, pain reduction, or the effect this would have on my overall functioning on a daily basis. I filed complaints with Dr Gardner who is the Medical Director of the Hospital, and with Dr Paddila who is now my main provider. Inspite, or despite of, my continual complaints, and not controlling my pain, the reduction continues. Studies show that oral morphine is safe up to 1000mg a day, so the amount I was taking, was not unsafe for my consumption. The bottom line is the bottom line, the VA being more concerned on cutting cost, rather than the patients welfare. They have this stupid slogan: You served us, now it is time for us to serve you, which is rather incongruous with the way they are treating me.