CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS\' PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF RIGHTS
Public Comments (796)
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Sep 21st, 2016Someone from Granville, MA signed.
Sep 21st, 2016Someone from Oneida, NY writes:
There needs to be an agency who advocates for patients! The DOH will not even look at a complaint for 10 to 12 weeks! Yet a doctor can discharge a patient for any reason. A PCP can refuse to see a patient, refuse to send a specialist referral. And an ER can refuse to treat a patient! Why are there even doctors in the USA?Sep 19th, 2016Someone from Fonda, NY signed.
Sep 19th, 2016Someone from Cohoes, NY writes:
As a result of these crackdowns, innocent people like me are being judged, mistreated, & abused. I take pain medication every single day in order to be able to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, etc. I suffer from multiple pain causing conditions that have been confirmed through testing, procedures, & seemingly nonstop doctors appointments. I am a younger woman who is educated about her conditions, medications, & medical needs. I have 1 provider writing all of my pain medication scripts, I fill them all at 1 pharmacy except the one they don't have & won't order because of insurance companies not paying them for the added cost to get the brand I need, I never refill early, & have never overdosed or had any problems caused by my medications. Because of crackdowns like this, my doctors refuse to change anything about my pain medications because they are afraid of your rules. I am being taken care of through a palliative care program that is for people with severe health conditions that negatively impact their quality of life to the point extra care is necessary. Palliative care programs like mine focus on addressing all of the symptoms possible to help improve the patient's quality of life & keep them out of the hospital. The program is failing me because of these crackdowns & continued pressure to not provide any pain medication to anyone. It has contributed to my medically-induced PTSD because I am labeled as a drug seeker & addict even though my medical team sends me to the hospital for treatment including for pain. I have been yelled at, called names, been told I'm not trying hard enough, accused of making myself sick to get attention & drugs, etc. I have no life. I am unable to function with all of the care & medications I receive. No one cares. No one wants to help me. I am alone trying to advocate for myself to have my medical needs met and yet the governing bodies are making pain management impossible. You would think that having 5 separate pain causing conditions that a doctor would want to help me... They don't because of rules like this. They say it is unethical to have so many pain causing conditions & not have my pain managed effectively. It is unethical & as the government interferes more and more with doctors trying to provide medical treatment (including effective pain management) to patients like me, the suicide rate will continue to rise as people are unable to reach any meaningful level of pain management. We don't expect medication to cure us or expect to be completely pain free... We accept we will always have pain but our rights as patients & human beings whose lives matter are being crushed. You, the CDC, are killing people with your sweeping rules & restrictions. If you want to have an impact on those with drug addictions, make treatment facilities accessible for those who need it. Work on providing a quick diagnostic "test" to identify people who are at high risk for becoming addicted or those who already are. Stop the cyclREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 19th, 2016Someone from Amsterdam, NY signed.
Sep 19th, 2016Someone from Tribes Hill, NY writes:
This has to be stopped. I am seeing the effect first hand on friends and how it is making them feel like there is no hope for them. They are wanting to give up. Do something now before they end up doing something drastic. It is breaking my heart with what they are going through.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 19th, 2016Someone from Johnstown, NY writes:
Extreme chronic pain without helpful pain meds can be worse then being terminal, only difference we suffer Longer ! People don't deserve this!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 12th, 2016Someone from Syracuse, MO signed.
Sep 12th, 2016Someone from Casselberry, FL signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Carrollton, KY signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Morris, NY signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Fort Lauderdale, FL signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Newnan, GA signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Lake Mary, FL signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Debary, FL writes:
My husband and I have suffered many yrs from chronic pain, but so many people have abused the drug or the cost have gone up, it's so hard for us who need the meds can't get them, I've been working in the childcare field for a long time now, I can't do it at all, can't sit, can run, couldn't pick up a child if they were injured. My husband used to be a maintenance supervisor going up and down 3 flights of stairs, now if he can make it down the block it's a miracle.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 10th, 2016Someone from Union, KY signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Gainesville, FL signed.
Sep 10th, 2016Someone from Covington, KY writes:
I have chronic pain. I try my best to get through the day without the feeling of unbearable pain. The laws in the State of Kentucky have been so strict,that many doctors have closed practice to leave the state. I see a spine specialist and I have to sign paperwork about medication. I cannot go to the emergency room and leave with medication or I could lose my spine doctor and my medication. I felt like I was an addict. This is the first time as a 48 year old woman that I have had to take opioids on a daily basis. With the cost of seeing your doctor every month just to get medication,at times you weigh how much pain your in the hold off take the much need meds. The depression with pain comes when the simple actions you have always done cause so much agony. We just want to live a little easier.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 10th, 2016Someone from Houston, TX writes:
Chronic pain surrounds my life as my sister, husband and parents all suffer/suffered pain. It may sound horrible but if the ones who were doing this could just spend a DAY in the shoes of someone who has to live with debilitating, constant pain, they might change their minds. Blessed are the merciful. Woe to those who aren't merciful...REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 6th, 2016Someone from Norristown, PA writes:
Also, you need to tell the truth about the synthetic drugs that are mixed with the heroine that are not even regulated by the FDA. Heroine is not the same as opioid medication. There should not be a war on chronic pain patients who don't have cures for their diseases.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 4th, 2016Someone from Locust Grove, GA writes:
My family has CHIARI and EDS, genetic disorders that cause chronic pain. They have tried all forms of physical therapy that actually make the pain worse because they dislocate and subluxate. Even more horrific were the facet Block injections and radio frequency nerve ablations (burning the nerves) They endured these alternative procedures that aggravated their genetic disorders. They respect and don't abuse their access to pain relief. I beg you to let the doctors and patients decide their own care. Stop the discrimination against disabled people, let them have a voice and choice. 1st amendment rights need to be given back to the people... by the people!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 4th, 2016Someone from Boise, ID writes:
I have been living with chronic pain since 2010 when I was hit by a car on my way to a class at the University. It was only recently that I was diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and cervical instability. I first tried physical therapy, then after several months of no improvement my doctor recommended medication like muscle relaxers. Now I am on a variety of therapies which include traction, physical therapy, medications, and meditation. There is no easy fix and there has been no cure. Part of my therapy includes opioids. I have been very careful, I do not abuse them, I am not addicted but I do need them as a way to have some quality of life. To be able to move and go about my day I need some help as I cant walk or move without pain even when taking opiods as I try to get by using only the smallest dosage. I know I am not the only one who is like this, there are many of us out there who need these pain meds for management of our illness. Please think about us when you cut off our access to needed medications. For some of us the only therapy that helps is opiod therapy. We don't want to be on pain meds but when it is the only thing that works consistently it is our only recourse. It has been my experience that animals are treated more humanely that many of us that live everyday in pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 3rd, 2016Someone from Denver, CO signed.
Sep 3rd, 2016Someone from Douglas, WY writes:
As someone who suffers daily from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, I know what chronic pain feels like. I also know that without pain medications, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed. Without access to pain medications that actually work, I would have to give up my job, my life, and everything around me because I would be in so much pain I wouldn't be able to function. I am pleading for law makers to realize that we do not abuse these medications. We take them exactly as prescribed and we do not allow others to take them from us. We follow all of the laws regarding controlled medications and are willing to do what it takes to keep our opioid pain medications because those medications allow us to function. We aren't asking to be pain free, but rather to have pain that is manageable. The only way for us to have manageable pain is to have access to opioid medications. Imagine living every single day of your life with multiple dislocations and hearing from your doctor that they can't give you opioids, even though they know that's really the only drug that will help control the pain, because it will put a target on their back. My doctor knows how bad my pain levels get and is still very hesitant to give me higher doses because she knows that the DEA will be after her. This isn't fair to those of us who live in chronic pain every single day. Our pain causes psychological symptoms such as severe depression and anxiety when it is not properly treated. These lead to higher pain and the cycle continues. When we recieve needed pain management, we are able to stop the cycle and get help for our psychological symptoms. Seeking that help during the cycle is impossible because we can't move, we can't get out of bed, and we can't process anything because we are in too much pain. Please consider us before you make any laws restricting opioid pain medications and repeal any laws that restrict our access to pain management through opioid medications. We are not abusers, we are simply trying to survive with severe pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 3rd, 2016Someone from Indianola, IA signed.
Aug 31st, 2016Someone from Norristown, PA writes:
Also, you need to tell the truth about the synthetic drugs that are mixed with the heroine that are not even regulated by the FDA. Heroine is not the same as opioid medication. There should not be a war on chronic pain patients who don't have cures for their diseases.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 30th, 2016Someone from Minneapolis, MN writes:
This law is outrageous, unfair and downright inhumane!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 30th, 2016Someone from Minneapolis, MN writes:
This law is outrageous, unfair and downright inhumane!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Dallas, TX writes:
I am 14 and have only gotten a glimpse at chronic pain, I understand why the opiads should be given out but most is is are really suffering. I'm hoping when I grow up i will be able to walk and in order to do so, I have to have my pain under control!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Roseville, CA signed.
Aug 29th, 2016Someone from Roseville, CA writes:
All we are asking is to give us the opiates we need to function in life. We don't get high, and we don't abuse these meds. I want to be able to turn a doorknob, cook, do housework, and run errands again!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Hot Springs, MT signed.
Aug 29th, 2016Someone from Havertown, PA writes:
I have been sick for 35 years. I have lost almost 20 of those years to being confined to bed. Myself and others that suffer have already had so much taken from us, and the disability system is based on the needs of the population in 1960. There is already so little help out there for us now, and this is just one more thing that is being taken away. This does not feel a whole lot different than throwing lepers onto an island to die in agony alone. This feels very much like the essence of discrimination to me. It would appear to me that these measures are a direct violation of The Americans With Disabilities Act.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Fort Smith, AR writes:
I am not a member of the pain community by choice. None of us are. Why is the government persecuting and marginalizing us? Because we are easy targets? Most of us are too sick to march and wave ribbons. Chronic Pain Patients did NOT CAUSE THIS "EPIDEMIC" - but we sure the hell are paying for it. Mark my words - all this campaign is going to do is cause the death of a group of people are already frail and vulnerable due to chronic, intractable pain. Pain that I suspect no one who is formulating any of these restrictions has ever experienced in their lives. Walk a mile in our shoes, and then get back to us on regulations that dare to take away opiate medication to responsible patients who never EVER abuse their medication. And please stop interfering with doctors trying to help their patients while you are at it. Please. You are killing us.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Mooresville, IN writes:
My husband opted for death rather than a life of uncontrolled pain due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Now two of my daughters are following suit. Please do not let this happen.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 29th, 2016Someone from Amherst, VA signed.
Aug 25th, 2016Someone from Kansas City, KS writes:
As a Chronic Pain patient myself, I believe what is going on regarding prescribing pain medication for those who have documented cases of legitimate Chronic Pain conditions is absolutely, unequivocally inhumane! The fact that we, Chronic Pain patients, are unable to have our doctors prescribe medication to us to help diminish the agony and suffering is truly unconscionable and simply outrages me! I have suffered from several sources of Chronic Pain for over 15 years. To date, I am unable to find a doctor in my area that is will to accept a new patient with ANY pain issues let alone CHRONIC pain issues! I have not received any pain medication to treat the pain in months! Without the proper medications to treat the pain those of us who have it simply do not have any quality of life! What if it were your child, spouse, parent, grandparent, or even a beloved friend? Would you want the doctors to do something to relieve their suffering? Imagine having severe pain 24 hours a day, 7 days, a week, 365 1/4 days a year with no relief in sight. How long could YOU stand it before you decided that you could take no more? As Chronic Pain patients we deal with this each and every moment of each and every day. We aren't drug addicts, we are human beings that deserve to have rights and to have them upheld! #ChronicPainLivesMatterREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 25th, 2016Someone from Kansas City, KS writes:
As a Chronic Pain patient myself, I believe what is going on regarding prescribing pain medication for those who have documented cases of legitimate Chronic Pain conditions is absolutely, unequivocally inhumane! The fact that we, Chronic Pain patients, are unable to have our doctors prescribe medication to us to help diminish the agony and suffering is truly unconscionable and simply outrages me! I have suffered from several sources of Chronic Pain for over 15 years. To date, I am unable to find a doctor in my area that is will to accept a new patient with ANY pain issues let alone CHRONIC pain issues! I have not received any pain medication to treat the pain in months! Without the proper medications to treat the pain those of us who have it simply do not have any quality of life! What if it were your child, spouse, parent, grandparent, or even a beloved friend? Would you want the doctors to do something to relieve their suffering? Imagine having severe pain 24 hours a day, 7 days, a week, 365 1/4 days a year with no relief in sight. How long could YOU stand it before you decided that you could take no more? As Chronic Pain patients we deal with this each and every moment of each and every day. We aren't drug addicts, we are human beings that deserve to have rights and to have them upheld! #ChronicPainLivesMatterREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 25th, 2016Someone from Tama, IA writes:
As a chronic pain patient, the way we are treated is demeaning. I did not ask for pain to take over my life. This is not how I envisioned my life in my 40s. I cannot find a doctor who will help control my pain. I now have high blood pressure that is hard to control, due to inadequate pain management. I struggle to work 6 hours a day. My family suffers, as I am in bed the minute I get home. I do not socialize, attend family events, or travel. I exist, in pain. I would not wish this on anyone. The government should not dictate my medical care. My doctors should not be afraid to treat me, for fear of reprucussions. Please allow us to live our lives with dignity and hope for our futures!REPORT COMMENTS
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