Richard Akridge was diagnosed with diabetes in 2005 and later with COPD in 2011. He now suffers from more than 30 complications caused by diabetes. In April his pain management doctors lowered the dosage of opioid medication. Now he spends most of his time in bed racked with pain. Be sure to read marymhuber’s story and watch the video online at Statesman.com. Photos by anamaria182 Ana Ramirez/ American-Statesman #texas #cdcguidelines #opioidepidemic #chronicpain