The context of the following conversation is Jesse rang the bell attached to the bedside table at Mercy General and told the nurse that the pain was increasing.:
Jesse says The bell attached to my bedside table was barely reachable with the tubes attached to my arm.  I rang the bell and told the nurse the pain was increasing..
The friend responds They don't usually give you strong enough painkillers at Mercy General..
Jesse responds It's like you have to beg..
The friend responds I think they don't want you to build up tolerance..
Jesse responds The doctor came and doubled up on a couple of drugs..
The friend responds Did the cocktail work?.