Shortage of injectable meperidine

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable meperidine. Hospira cites increased demand and manufacturing delays as the reasons for the shortage of their brand name product, Demerol. West-Ward produces the generic product, but no pre-loaded syringes. I was given Demerol in the mid-seventies by a dental surgeon, and my only experience with painkillers since then has been for dental procedures. I have never since been given Demerol (meperidine hydrochloride). I am curious to know of other people's experience. Has this drug been administered to you before and/or after surgery? at childbirth? for chronic pain such as fibromyalgia?

This is an opioid narcotic analgesic for moderate to severe pain and was at one time the drug of choice for addicted doctors and nurses. Is that still the case, or is that decades-old news?