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CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS\' PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF RIGHTS

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  • Dec 2nd, 2017
    Karen C. from Sewaren, NJ writes:
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    Please help... I suffer from chronic pain and I need medicine to get out of bed.
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  • Dec 2nd, 2017
    Karen C. from Sewaren, NJ writes:
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    Please help... I suffer from chronic pain and I need medicine to get out of bed.
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  • Nov 18th, 2017
    Someone from SAVANNAH, GA writes:
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    The people who have the power to so thoughtlessly take away our lifelines are the very same people who have the power to ensure that they will never suffer the consequences of their legislation. They and their loved ones can rest confidently in the knowledge that no one challenges the needs of the powerful. They will not suffer. Only the truly helpless will suffer.
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  • Nov 18th, 2017
    Kathy P. from Savannah, GA writes:
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    Please. Thousand of innocent people are suffering. I am one. I am trusting in God for you to do the right and humane thing.
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  • Nov 18th, 2017
    Kathy P. from Savannah, GA writes:
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    Please. Thousand of innocent people are suffering. I am one. I am trusting in God for you to do the right and humane thing.
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  • Nov 14th, 2017
    Samuel R. from Clearfield, UT writes:
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    Chronic pain patients should not have to suffer because of uncaring government officials.
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  • Oct 29th, 2017
    Debbie G. from New Orleans, LA writes:
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    Stop punishing chronic pain/illness patients because others have abused the medications. Pain medication makes the difference between us being able to function or being bedridden!
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  • Oct 26th, 2017
    Someone from Worthington, IN writes:
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    People are honestly hurting. So many in our area has turned to heroin. It’s ridiculous. I’m sorry kids have ODed and there are some abusers but I have legitimate pain issues and have to stay basically bed bound because of pain.
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  • Oct 21st, 2017
    Someone from Chester, VA writes:
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    I'm a chronic pain patient that do to a work injury damaged my low back and have had low back surgery along with shots therapy etc. I'm the guy that always said "you can get whatever you want out of life as long as your willing to work hard" Well that all changed 20yrs ago when I was injured. After doing everything possible to control the pain enough not to kill myself I was given pain medication that allowed me to at least take care of my children before the meds. I was trying to find the best way to put myself out of the misery without hurting my family. Even after the pain meds it caused my divorce and lose of being able to take care of my kids because they live to far away for me to drive now I'm unable to make the drive. Now my doctor who I've abided by all the rules, regulations, contracts, and humiliation of feeling like a criminal instead of a patient for 20yrs. Is saying that there going to end up taking them away. Does anyone ever think, if I was in that situation. When you take meds away from people who are in severe chronic pain they will either take there lives or do whatever it takes from doing that. So what you are saying to patients that need this medication is sorry about your luck and good luck with the heroin that is actually killing people. A patient knows the risk of the medication they take and it's usually a last resort as does someone that takes cemotherapy to keep your them alive. Pain medication keeps me from suicide. Please put yourself in the situation before you take away the one thing that keeps families together rather that tear them apart do to a child losing a father, a mother losing a son do to suicide. Chronic pain strips everything from your life, relationships, freedom, peace of mind and much more. So please know what your doing to people like me that have always been a productive member of society now because I'm injured and require medication I'm the enemy. I understand there's an issue with abuse but there is other ways they destroying families because y'all fail to see all sides.
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  • Oct 20th, 2017
    Christopher M. from San Diego, CA writes:
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    Hi. I do not use theae meds for enjoyment or to releive stress or mental pain, these meds are used to simply function and not to face overwhelming chronic physical pain. Limiting one's med intake to fit a chart on body types, does Not work. Non chemical solutions to the pains are great to help, but they cannot fully replace the use of meds. Each theropy only lasts as long as the treatment is going, --- you end up spending all day going from one 20-minute treatment to another. This is not a medical sollution, this is a purely poltical solution to some people (NOT I) abusing drugs to ease non-physical pain. I shout Not have to pay for other peoples actions--- this is what the CDC Guidelines are doing !!!
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  • Oct 19th, 2017
    Nancy C. from Appleton, WI writes:
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    The way the CDC, FDA and DEA are hurting suffering, innocent people while attempting to stop the drug epidemic is cruel and inhumane. Do they really think taking away pain medications THAT ARE HELPING THOSE IN PAIN DUE TO A CHRONIC DISEASE OR INJURY will clear the drug epidemic? How dare they keep people in pain away from their lifeline to a better life. My loved one has been in pain due to Ehlers-Danlos for about nine years. The meds are prescribed by a pain management clinic. She has taken her meds responsibly and under the strict watch of her doctor. She has tried accupuncture and many other alternatives that have not worked so well. She says she cannot go back to what it was like before she received pain meds. IF SHE COMMITS SUICIDE, YOU PEOPLE WHO DECIDED THIS WILL BE AT FAULT. Please, rethink your plan. According to some doctors, the research was shoddy. THIS IS JUST WRONG.
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  • Oct 19th, 2017
    Nancy C. from Appleton, WI writes:
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    The way the CDC, FDA and DEA are hurting suffering, innocent people while attempting to stop the drug epidemic is cruel and inhumane. Do they really think taking away pain medications THAT ARE HELPING THOSE IN PAIN DUE TO A CHRONIC DISEASE OR INJURY will clear the drug epidemic? How dare they keep people in pain away from their lifeline to a better life. My loved one has been in pain due to Ehlers-Danlos for about nine years. The meds are prescribed by a pain management clinic. She has taken her meds responsibly and under the strict watch of her doctor. She has tried accupuncture and many other alternatives that have not worked so well. She says she cannot go back to what it was like before she received pain meds. IF SHE COMMITS SUICIDE, YOU PEOPLE WHO DECIDED THIS WILL BE AT FAULT. Please, rethink your plan. According to some doctors, the research was shoddy. THIS IS JUST WRONG.
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  • Oct 18th, 2017
    Someone from Appleton, WI writes:
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    I have a loved one who has a genetic medical condition, and is in constant chronic pain. She is only 39 years old. Prior to developing this condition, she was a college basketball player, and a nurse. The condition has caused her to have multiple surgeries, she has very limited mobility, and pain all the time. However, she began working with a pain clinic that provided her with opiate medications, that really helped her. Her mobility improved drastically, and while her condition has prevented her from living the life she had pictured for herself, she was able to partake in some aspects of her life. In addition to the medication, she sees a therapist and does physical therapy regularly. Prior to receiving the opiate medications, she tried many non-opiate options, acupuncture, reiki therapy and other countless things to reduce the pain, and none of those worked. So, she is not someone who is, “med seeking” or unwilling to try other options. She simply wants relief from her pain. She has been a model patient at the pain clinic. She has passed every UA and pill count, and does not abuse her medications. Her pain clinic decided that, due to the CDC guidelines, they will no longer prescribe pain medication to anyone who has chronic pain; this is happening to everyone at her clinic in the same condition that she is, so she is not getting kicked out, the clinic is just refusing to help people in her state due to the guidelines. This appears to be happening all over the country since those guidelines have come out. I have a couple questions for the CDC regarding their reasoning The story is that the star teenage athlete gets a sports injury and is prescribed all these pain meds, gets hooked, and eventually turns to heroin, or kids get it out of their parents’ medical cabinets etc. etc. Why then would the guidelines not be to stop prescribing it post operatively if this is the critical moment when people get hooked? I know their research is stating that there is no efficacy in using pain medication longer than 6 months. There are over 25 million Americans living with chronic pain that would disagree with that. Why are the people who are unfortunate enough to have chronic pain conditions, who are following their doctor orders being punished due to people who choose not to follow their doctor’s orders and/or use illegal drugs? I would even be fine with disallowing folks who go to pain clinics, for legit conditions, who fail a UA or pill count to get medication, but why take it away from suffering people who have followed all of the rules? Also, if the CDC research shows that there is no efficacy after 6 months, why offer it to cancer patients? There must be some benefit if the recommendation is to still treat cancer patients with opiates long term… I do feel empathy for people who get addicted, and even more so for the families. However, taking medications away from people with legitimate pain conditions, who are taking it as prescribed, is NOT the way to accomplish this goal. I am very concerned that this will increase the problem the CDC is trying to fight. What is the plan for these folks in chronic pain? Does the CDC not think that these poor individuals are going to get so desperate that they will do anything to get the relief they need, including turning to illegal drugs like heroin? I hope consideration has been given that these guidelines could turn law-abiding citizens who were getting the treatment they needed into addicts. Or worse, causing these people to commit suicide. The CDC guidelines are taking decisions out of doctors’ hands, and scaring pain clinics into making these sweeping decisions that impact every patient with chronic pain, rather than treating people on a case by case basis. It is very scary!
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  • Oct 18th, 2017
    Someone from Appleton, WI writes:
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    I have a loved one who has a genetic medical condition, and is in constant chronic pain. She is only 39 years old. Prior to developing this condition, she was a college basketball player, and a nurse. The condition has caused her to have multiple surgeries, she has very limited mobility, and pain all the time. However, she began working with a pain clinic that provided her with opiate medications, that really helped her. Her mobility improved drastically, and while her condition has prevented her from living the life she had pictured for herself, she was able to partake in some aspects of her life. In addition to the medication, she sees a therapist and does physical therapy regularly. Prior to receiving the opiate medications, she tried many non-opiate options, acupuncture, reiki therapy and other countless things to reduce the pain, and none of those worked. So, she is not someone who is, “med seeking” or unwilling to try other options. She simply wants relief from her pain. She has been a model patient at the pain clinic. She has passed every UA and pill count, and does not abuse her medications. Her pain clinic decided that, due to the CDC guidelines, they will no longer prescribe pain medication to anyone who has chronic pain; this is happening to everyone at her clinic in the same condition that she is, so she is not getting kicked out, the clinic is just refusing to help people in her state due to the guidelines. This appears to be happening all over the country since those guidelines have come out. I have a couple questions for the CDC regarding their reasoning The story is that the star teenage athlete gets a sports injury and is prescribed all these pain meds, gets hooked, and eventually turns to heroin, or kids get it out of their parents’ medical cabinets etc. etc. Why then would the guidelines not be to stop prescribing it post operatively if this is the critical moment when people get hooked? I know their research is stating that there is no efficacy in using pain medication longer than 6 months. There are over 25 million Americans living with chronic pain that would disagree with that. Why are the people who are unfortunate enough to have chronic pain conditions, who are following their doctor orders being punished due to people who choose not to follow their doctor’s orders and/or use illegal drugs? I would even be fine with disallowing folks who go to pain clinics, for legit conditions, who fail a UA or pill count to get medication, but why take it away from suffering people who have followed all of the rules? Also, if the CDC research shows that there is no efficacy after 6 months, why offer it to cancer patients? There must be some benefit if the recommendation is to still treat cancer patients with opiates long term… I do feel empathy for people who get addicted, and even more so for the families. However, taking medications away from people with legitimate pain conditions, who are taking it as prescribed, is NOT the way to accomplish this goal. I am very concerned that this will increase the problem the CDC is trying to fight. What is the plan for these folks in chronic pain? Does the CDC not think that these poor individuals are going to get so desperate that they will do anything to get the relief they need, including turning to illegal drugs like heroin? I hope consideration has been given that these guidelines could turn law-abiding citizens who were getting the treatment they needed into addicts. Or worse, causing these people to commit suicide. The CDC guidelines are taking decisions out of doctors’ hands, and scaring pain clinics into making these sweeping decisions that impact every patient with chronic pain, rather than treating people on a case by case basis. It is very scary!
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  • Oct 3rd, 2017
    k J. from Sunfield, MI signed.
  • Sep 24th, 2017
    Melinda R. from Bellevue, KY writes:
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    As a chronic pain patient who has already had 32 surgeries by the age of 38. I suffer everyday. I get kidney infections so bad it feels like I am being stabbed repeatedly. I end up in the hospital or doctors just for them to tell me they will not give me ANY pain relief because of the opioid epidemic. How is this fair to me. I have to suffer and be in severe pain because someone else decides to use this stuff to just get high. Please rethink this law because it's not fair to make people like me suffer. I personally see the suicide rate sky rocketing because of this because so many people will be at their wits end with pain. And this is very sad. I know there are days where my pain is so bad I can not think to do it anymore. And now you take away the meds that help us make it through our daily life with even the littlest bit of pain relief. People like me are NOT using these meds to get HIGH we are using it to make it through life without so much pain. Please don't forget us because of all the stupid people
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  • Sep 24th, 2017
    Amber V. from Amarillo, TX signed.
  • Sep 24th, 2017
    Jessica S. from Rockaway, NJ signed.
  • Sep 23rd, 2017
    Alta H. from Saint John, IN writes:
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    Since illegal heroin and fentanyl are the primary sources of overdose deaths, why is the government putting restrictions on the legal meds used by 120 million pain patients? Where are the names of all the studies that "prove" opioids don't work for chronic pain?
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  • Sep 23rd, 2017
    Krys M. from San Diego, CA signed.
  • Sep 23rd, 2017
    Someone from Traverse City, MI signed.
  • Sep 23rd, 2017
    Someone from Phoenix, AZ writes:
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    The relationship between a doctor and patient is a private one and should not be infringed upon by the government. It takes a long standing relationship between a doctor and patient to determine what medications and treatments are appropriate for which patient. The governmental intrusion in this relationship has led to, and will continue to lead to suicides by patients who have had their prescriptions discontinued by doctors who fear for their careers. This fear is a real one and comes from people within the FDA and DEA, among other governmental entities, who think they know more about the patient and the patient's needs than his/her own doctor does. Leave medical decision in the hands of the doctors - not the government!
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  • Sep 22nd, 2017
    Someone from Ozark, MO signed.
  • Sep 22nd, 2017
    Someone from Saint Helens, OR writes:
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    I am a chronic pain warrior and i dont deserve to possibly lose my meds because of the government's rules. It should be between me and my doctor. Our plan we had from the start. Instead now i have to live with anxiety not knowing what's next for me. And so do so many millions of others. Fight the war against drugs. Illegal drugs and not prescription meds. Its so unfair for those of us who are dependent on them.
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  • Sep 22nd, 2017
    Isabel E. from Bridgeport, CT writes:
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    We are suffering each and every day and the addiction rate is rising!! For those that can't think and reason this means that not meeting the needs of patients with unbearable pain does not reduce the addiction rate. We need to restore Intelligent, Compassionate and Ethical Treatment for Pain to those who require it. Pain Treatment and Addiction are Separate Issues.
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  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Misty M. from Buckley, WA writes:
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    We NEED to be heard. We are patient's NOT addicts. We need to keep our medication. Stop the nonsense and boxing us in with addicts. Not the same. Dependance and addiction NOT the same.
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  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Someone from Tucson, AZ writes:
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    Stop the madness! I want to live!
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  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Lori O. from Ardmore, OK signed.
  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Julie N. from Sturtevant, WI signed.
  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Julie N. from Sturtevant, WI signed.
  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Julie N. from Sturtevant, WI signed.
  • Sep 21st, 2017
    Joanne O. from Raymond, NH writes:
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    For all those suffering in Chronic Pain and struggling every day to take care of themselves and their families... stop blaming patients for the behavior of addicts. Go after the real problem... street drugs... and leave patients alone.
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  • Sep 11th, 2017
    Jamice D. from Livingston, TX writes:
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    The new guidelines are making people's lives more difficult every moment of everyday. My sister is suicidal because she has been cut off from her 50 mg Tramadol which had been prescribed to her for 18 years with no issues. Now she is consumed with the pain from her herniated discs. She is not a drug addict and just needs the meds to live and work. I live in fear I will get a call she has killed herself because of the pain.
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  • Aug 27th, 2017
    Samuel W. from Bryant, AL writes:
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    I have suffered from chronic back pain radiating into my legs for 7 years now. I worked remodeling houses for 4 years and lost my part in a company due to undertreated pain and now spend most of my time in bed. I haven't seen my best friend in over 2 months and am unable to even take care of my son without my medicine. It's cost me in the last 7 years then I would care to share my relationship is in shambles. My doctor spent most of my last visit yelling at me that I should have my life together and doesn't even want to treat me mentioning the DEA as a reason for not prescribing me medicine that has worked before. This has to end I keep my pistol under my pillow reminding me that I have a way out even though I'll keep my promise to my family and live strangely it's comforting knowing it's there... help us we are human and we diserve to be able to be a part of life not sitting looking in wondering if things will ever change.
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  • Aug 16th, 2017
    Jody H. from Elburn, IL signed.
  • Aug 11th, 2017
    Kel B. from Appleton, WI writes:
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    All these decisions are being made without pain patients or the physicians that are treating them. If there are any Drs still treating. You are threatening drs and pharmacists to not help patients. How is this helping the "crisis"? People abuse alcohol everyday. They get treated by Drs. People smoke, they still get treated. People abuse a lot of things and they get treatment and medication all without being charged $1200 for a urinalysis drug screen. Monthly. Who can afford is??? This is blackmail, bribery, and a crime. Copays and office visits - What used to cost $100 a year is costing over $2500/ month. And that's after paying monthly insurance premiums!!!! Someday you may need what we need. I hope there is something for you as you couldn't live the way you are asking us to live. Not one day!! Start thinking about the future of your family! Your children! Your grandchildren! What about your parents?? YOU are going to have all these people live in pain and agony??? People must be ACCOUNTABLE & RESPONSIBLE for themselves and their medications. You can't keep punishing everyone because some are not. Millions have taken pain meds without incident. They are responsible! We take it so we can work and care for our families. Without it, you are increasing suicide- which may be your goal?? Increasing disability. Increasing child services, food stamp programs, other medical needs, orphanages, dropout s, alcoholism, abuse of all sorts. How do you sleep at night???
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  • Jul 28th, 2017
    Maria H. from Mayflower, AR signed.
  • Jun 5th, 2017
    timothy o. from manor, PA writes:
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    i was almost murdered at 16 and also have disc problems in my back, Because of lowlife junkies we are all being punished, not fir.
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  • May 15th, 2017
    Elizabeth B. from Flint, TX signed.
  • Apr 25th, 2017
    Someone from Vancouver, WA writes:
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    I have been a law-abiding and compliant pain patient for 20 years. My condition causes constant severe pain and is incurable. I had the one surgery that sometimes helps, but didn't help me. For a long time, I've felt like a parolee, like when it went from a paper RX every 30 days to 28 days, $200 urine tests every month, showing ID every time I pick up meds at a pharmacy I've used for 17 years. Then my last pain clinic appt staff told me that because of the DEA my regimen can't continue for much longer. I Am Terrified.
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