Over the 30 years since that day, she has suffered chronic and constant pain, and she has twice come close to death’s door.

“In 2000, I was told I had six months to live, but I pulled through, and then in 2007 I got an infection and was told I had only three days to live. Again, I pulled through,” said the 54-year-old former teacher.

“I live on my own, I want to remain independent and not be a drudge on the community.” 

Following her major surgery 11 years ago, Ms Miller’s only relief has come through 400mg of slow-release morphine.

But the MS Contin medication is listed among the Schedule 8 drugs that are subject to very strict controls in NSW.

Since her doctor suddenly left Wagga earlier this month, Ms Miller has not been able to find another who will prescribe the elevated amount.

“I’ve gone down half, I’m now on 200mg and I’ve done that just on my own,” said Ms Miller.

“Half is better than none, even though it’s a lot more pain.”

For more than a decade, Ms Miller has received a filled prescription every 28 days with little trouble.

Now based on her dosage and the time she has needed it, Ms Miller believes she has been unfairly labelled.

“I’m looking for a new doctor, but it seems every time they see ‘opioid’, they refuse to take me on,” she said.

“For 11 years [while on the medication], I’ve done the right thing.

“I’m not an addict, I’m taking it just to function not to get high.”

In the past several weeks, Ms Miller said she has attended regular appointments with GPs across the city. Each time they have refused her request for MS Contin.

Some of the doctors have suggested switching to codeine. Due to her high risk of pancreatitis, it is not an option for Ms Miller.

“I’m not doctor shopping I’m just looking for someone to help me. I’m running out of time now,” she said.

When her current supply drains, it may be a long time before she may have another.

“I have to ration out the medication I have now because I don’t know when I’ll have any more,” she said.

“I thought they took a hippocratic oath to care for people.

“I feel like I’m being put into the too-hard-basket, and I don’t know what to do.”