Leah,
I don't know that your Lord gives more than one can handle... seems to me He doesn't even look. But that's a religious discussion best left to the spiritual boards... I do recommend a fantastic book though... The Disappearance of the Universe... and a self study set of books... A Course in Miracles... I am not Christian and these books are based on Jesus' teachings... but I have found them to be very helpful... it is all about forgiving. Meditation can help control pain... at least, I have found it can.
Many meds are rough on the liver and kidneys... that's because the liver and kidneys carry the majority of the metabolizing. It is so important to monitor liver and kidney function when you take any kind of meds... pain or otherwise.
How are you doing? I know this is a late post... but, is your brother still this side of the veil? Hope to hear from you soon.
SilverAmythesyt (Cheryl)