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First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
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May 27th, 2016Someone from Fairbanks, AK signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Ripon, CA signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Cumberland, MD writes:
As a chronic pain patient, I don't know where I would be without medication. I still get treated poorly by hospitals and new doctors give a lifted eyebrow but I don't care anymore. I will take medication over being in so much pain that I just want to die. At least, I have some quality of life this way. Thank you.May 27th, 2016Someone from Whiteville, NC writes:
This is unfair and a great injustice to human beings whom suffer from Fibromyalgia, degeneration joint disease, osteoarthritis, twisted colon and ocular chronic Migraines. I personally am allergic to antiimflammatory drugs not to mention due to Gerd and gastrointestinal disorders I can not take such meds regardless. I have maintained my status of Dr. David Martin's patient in Whiteville, NC since 1998 and he has been the only physician to be able to treat my pain as I hurt somehow somewhere everyday of my miserable life and days I can not walk or get out of bed due to my illnesses. My last appointment I was informed a reduction of my pain medications will begin and did. I was informed I'd have to do this or be referred to a pain management clinic in which I do not know nor trust with my illnesses. In my life I have been sent to physical therapy, prescribed Assistive equipment as in, a tens unit I use frequently already, 2 different canes, 2 different walkers and now a wheelchair. This is not fair to my physician or patients like me whom are my age and my illnesses. I know what cancer is and does as most of us have endured the aftermath mental pain from the loss of loved ones my father had liver cancer passed away in 2008 thus he never required the medications I need to be able to function everyday of my life. He would not have this as he was very loving father and already knew my daily suffering unfortunately. I'm begging in a desperate manner not to allow the enforcement of such restrictions on a physician who has treated their patients in the most appropriate manner as mine ha . It is so unfair, also being told changes to be made on my anxiety medication that is the only source of sleep I do get which is maybe 3 hours at the most with medication as I hurt my body is in pain I wake and have fragmented sleep due to the pain. I know I will not be able to tolerate these changes pressed upon me due to the pressure my physician and many more caring providers. I'm not just a number I'm human. Thank you for allowing me to atleast express my thoughts, feelings no one really understands, and my opinion.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 27th, 2016Someone from Whiteville, NC signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Longs, SC signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Oceana, WV writes:
So unfair what dr kostenko is gong through. If a junky wants to abuse drugs they will find a way and do so it don't matter if they are closely monitored or not. What about the pharmacy that filled these peoples scripts looks to me like it would be more on them to catch the problem of seeing more than one dr and getting more than they shouldnREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 27th, 2016Someone from Whiteville, NC signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Hollywood, FL signed.
May 27th, 2016Someone from Mesa, AZ writes:
Oxycodone is cheap and it works well, evidently someone isn't getting rich enough. Therefore, let's attack good Americans who need these medications in order to have a semblance of a normal life. We aren't getting "high" or euphoric, but we will fight back as evidenced crom this petition.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Owensboro, KY signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Chouteau, OK writes:
I'm 55, for 45 yrs I've suffered with back issues. Did everything to try help..... 4 years ago I started falling. Went to surgeon was told I needed a spinal fusion. I didn't want.back survey but he said it was my only hope. Had the surgery, I'm worse off. I'm originally from Howell, NJ. Now living in Oklahoma, I had a family Dr for three yrs that worked with me to find the right pain medication that I could take and function. Then the DEA steps in in 2013, have to go to pain management, now mind you. Before my surgery I tried everything.... Shots, tens unit,traction, shock ,chiropractic drs,didn't help. I've been to a few pain management clinics in Tulsa Oklahoma and have basically been told I need to try the shots,etc. No, if the would have worked I probably wouldn't of needed surgery. So I've been basically told no shots no pain meds..... So I guess instead of going to drs we should be seeing the DEA . since they are making it threatening for drs to help. Every month at my last pain management I was pee tested, fine, thank goodness I have great insurance. I get an itemized bill every month, the test price is almost 500.00..... I've never had a bad test, never had issues with pill counts,it's unreal. And the kicker is, there are people that I have met that have told me what they get, the amounts etc. And they sell most.... So how in God's name do they do it?. And I feel like I'm being looked at lime a drug addict because I need one pain script,????? Those people make it so bad for us,the legitimate patients..... Well I hope all that read this one day find the help we need....my last visit to the pain management, now mind you I've been going for a year and a half, I've NEVER seen a Dr. Just a PA and because I will not do the shots ( and because of the cage in my back they have to go through my sides) she cut my pill script in half.... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Uhhhhhhhhh.... Well maybe someone who gives a crap will read our remarksREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Boyne City, MI writes:
I should not be treated like a drug addict, I have legitimate pain from a chronic condition. People are committing suicide to escape from the pain they feel. This is not a war on drugs, it's a war against people with pain. This should be illegal.One of the many reasons I am NOT proud to be an American.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Boyne City, MI writes:
I should not be treated like a drug addict, I have legitimate pain from a chronic condition. People are committing suicide to escape from the pain they feel. This is not a war on drugs, it's a war against people with pain. This should be illegal.One of the many reasons I am NOT proud to be an American.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Abilene, TX signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Salisbury, MD writes:
In the last 7 years I have become a Chronic pain patent and 100 % Disabled. I have had 2 Lumbar fusions, Prostate cancer and Pancreatic Cancer and the whipple surgery for it. and 3 Hernia surgery's and continuous blood infections.I can no longer take the pain. I cant stand being treated like a criminal due to the way my pain Dr treats me. He prescribes me scant amounts of meds that barely helps. This is wrong and there should be a law suit against this administration for causing all this discrimination.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Elizabethton, TN signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Elizabethton, TN signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Carmichael, CA signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Spartanburg, SC writes:
I have been in pain for twenty years. It has worstened as my health and diagnoses have changed. I originally injured my back on a call as a paramedic. I had spent yrs dealing with the very people that the DEA think that they are stopping, but all that they have and will be doing is hurting those who actually have had their quality of life taken away already. Just as those who choose to use guns illegally, be it as part of a gang or whatever the reason, they will find a gun, and just like up until now, they not once stopped by the police department to say 'just wanna make sure I have all my paperwork on this before I use it', they will never do it the legal way. Thise who abuse drugs will always do it the illegal way. You will still have people breaking into.others homes, going from ER to ER, Dr.to Dr, making it themselves, or buying off the streets. All that you have done is make sure that those who ACTUALLY are suffering from pain and debillitating conditions are made to suffer even more. They are forced to watch from a distance as their children grow.up thinking that they are not important because mom or dad could never lea e the bed or chair to come watch them play football or be in the school play. They also missed graduation, and all the time feeling like a failure for not being there, but what to do? It's not like you ever get any support from these so called Dr's, they never once have said "living with pain is a true and legitimate condition and famies need to support you, and society needs to support you, instead of being conditioned to look at and treat you as a druggy. The DEA has also made it easier for some offices to do like my office, who nust had the owning physician retire, so the other Drs decided to change the way things were done. We were informed that if you have no operable spinal condition, you will no longer receive meds. That was explained to me as if you cannot for some reason receive continued treatments other and in addition to meds, you are out. Broken down they admitted it means you must make money for them to keep you. You must be able.to have regular epidurals, etc that can be claimed in addition on insurance and if you need to talk more than 15 appointment, you must pay for.2, etc. Since I have severe fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, herpatic neuropathy, scoliosis, spondiolysys and a number of other chronic pain conditions, I was told I had to repeat my mri and if there was nothing operable, meaning injections, I would have to come off all meds and no longer be seen. They already know I can't, because as a type 1 unstable diabetic the injections could kill me. I have a heart,/ lung problem that affects O2Sats too. Because I am in such a high level of pain, test proved that the meds did not effect my O2Sats(tthe first thing they wanted to blame, so the first tbey ruled.out) but if im taken off meds after so long tbey can kill me, and there is nothing to stop them. I suppose that shouldnt suprise us since theevelREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Milwaukee, WI writes:
I had a spine fusion due to spondylitis. Since then I have suffered from "failed back surgery syndrome" where the joints below or above the fusion have failed and I am in chronic pain. Pain clinics have been useless with their only options of burning nerves and steroid injections. So I have had to go to my surgeon for pain medication as all else are afraid. It's getting harder to get it filled as pharmacies are also being terrorized by the DEA. Its truly shameful the way people with chronic pain is treated in America. Shame on the pREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Jacksonville, FL writes:
I am so frustrated! I have followed every law and regulation to the letter. I have spent my money as asked. I have undergone unnecessary procedures so my insurance gives more money to my doctor, so I can be helped. I have taken off work EVERY MONTH to go to my doctor appointments. My life revolves around the 28 day medication limit. I fear my doctor taking a vacation. I fear a holiday landing on my normal appointment date. I dare not schedule myself any vacation. My doctor has evaluated me, run tests, and determined I need pain medication to be functional in life. Why is the government interfering? They don't know me. They don't have any medical knowledge or experience. All i want is to be able to go to work, do a few house hold chores, maybe go out to dinner occasionally. That's impossible without my medication. This is crazy! I don't know what to do anymore. Please listen to us!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Philadelphia, PA writes:
I have had chronic pain and it's difficult for me to find doctors that are willing to prescribe me the medication i need because of the dea and these doctors that are afraid of prescribing me the medication i need and something needs to be done with this problem and these laws this is why there are so many people that are turning to harder drugs that are illegal and that are dying at a young age please do something quickly i don't want to be another statistic tyREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Austin, MN writes:
I experience first hand the ridiculous reports, and excuses as the doctors wiggle around the real issues and say that pain management is best- when a few have said it's just a way to please several peoples, pharmaceuticals, Insurance, etc. Suicide has gone up, someone seeing the same doctor as me, committed suicide after 10 years of pain and the new "system" or pain management leaving him in agony he ended it. I was in the ER 13 times last year, cause I moved and my preexisting conditions and medications, no doctor would take me. Sent to a shady clinic, no MDs in sight, the MD running the clinic was in Italy. Avoiding discliplinary action, these very inexperienced LVN's put me in the hospital twice. Its been awful, worst nightmare, could have never imagined it could be legal to do any of this, let alone ethical. I'm at a pain clinic as I write this, recently reporting a doctor for inappropriate behaviour, told to probably keep it quiet, waiting for a "meeting" about my care. Please, there's so many who suffer needlessly. Sign and help.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Kingston, TN writes:
Ive had 2 cervical surgeries, 2 shoulder surgeries, and 5 lumbar surgeries. Ive been on pain meds for 6 years now off and on between surgeries.If I went back to Vanderbilt today they would want to do surgery tomorrow. I have been doing well treating my pain until last month when my pain dr. cut my prescription in almost half.now I have no quality of life.Now I am stuck here in this recliner 24-7.i have 2 boys whom I love very much but now I cannot enjoy anything with them at all.there is not a single second in the day that I am not reminded of my pain.Now my days and nights are filled with thoughts of suicide. If it wasnt for my children I wouldnt be sitting here writing this statement.I just cant do that to them.i love them so much but im afraid one day I will give up the fight and end it.these laws your making are only punishing people who have already been through horrific circumstances. I did not ask to be in this condition.i was in a wreck caused by my employer several years ago. The people who are abusing opiates are always going to get what they want just like the criminals and guns.they will more than likely turn to heroin or something similar. They will find a way to get high one way or the other.But as for me im in a situation where I can not win.i cant get the medicine I need to have any quality of life and I cant turn to anything else because I am drug tested every month.if I do I will lose what little I do get.i cant go to the hospital because they wont do anything but refer me back to my neuro surgeon.my pain dr is not interested in doing anything else for me because hes afraid he will get in trouble.its a real shame that in the blink of an eye so many people are wrote off and cast aside.its a real shame the drs cant do their job for fear of politicians breathing down their necks and dictating the way they do their job.these politicians and the ones making these laws have no clue what they are doing.they have no clue what it means to be in this kind of pain.hell, they dont even have a clue as how to run the country. I pray someone will step up and save us before it is too late.i know in my situation too late could be any day nowREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from San Martin, CA writes:
What is most destructive is labeling w/anxiety disorder. This allows them to prescribe harmful meds (antidepressants, antiepleptic, anticonvulsants) which in my case, has led to severe side affects including aplastic anemia and prolonged bone marrow dysplasia. Has also led to chronic pancreatitis adversely affected kidneys when they'd already noted hydronephrosis 3 years ago, and now, am reduced to spending most of my time laying down w/only outings being Dr appointments. Why treat patients like this when xrays, mri's, endoscopy and ct scan shows every reason for patients pain? What's worse is that much of these problems can be attributed to meds they've prescibed for example amitrptlyne and klonopin raise cholesterol, they them prescribed simvistatin which caused muscle pain and other very odd symptoms culminating in myocardial infartion! As indicated below, 2011 auto accident caused by a young man more interested in cell phone than paying attention to oncoming traffic, caused more pain and problems to spine than I'd already had due to other accidents caused by unattentive/distracted drivers! People who have chronic pain just want to have decent quality of life!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Coram, NY writes:
As a 64 yr old person with multiple disabilities,having had multiple surgeries and living in constant pain , unfortunately requiring medications to enable me to survive my life with a a small amount of quality. Why in Gods name are seriously ill people being cut off? I do not think we should be punished for those who choose to abuse medications needed for people like myself. Please help!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Milwaukee, WI writes:
I can relate to this all to well. It's a shame chronic pain sufferers are treated in this manner. I didn't ask for the auto accident, I didn't ask for chronic pain that limits my daily life, but I am asking for a resolution to manage this pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Plymouth, IN writes:
I've been in severe/excruciating pain due to an accident and damage from a surgery for over 20 years and I'm only in my 40's. I'm barely able to function and work but I was able to do it. It was a life and I was grateful for it. Up until 2 weeks ago I've never missed work other than the surgery and time off trying to recover. 2 weeks ago my prescribing doctor stated they no longer prescribe certain medication's because of you worthless jackasses. I've taken these medications for 15 years and I was able to make it through the day and work. I've missed 2 days of work due to severe muscle cramping and spasms so far. I have no paid time off and I'm single with a low paying job. I blame this on you worthless jackasses! I've taken numerous narcotics and a muscle relaxant that made it to where I could barely have a quality life, and by that I mean I work and then go home and lie on the couch or go to sleep. But it was a life and I was able to work and support myself and not go on disability. I guess the government (which is embarrassingly clueless, evil and invasive) thinks it would be better for me to become unemployed and on disability than to take medication as prescribed and that worked. I would give everything I have for each and every one of you that decided on my fate to live the way I have to. You would have put a bullet through your head years ago. I haven't but it's now an option. You are evil. Give me my life back before I take it because of this pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Highlands, NJ writes:
Pam no the doctors are the ones asking to take 200 as they feel they are equipped and feel sorry for 101REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Highlands, NJ writes:
It would be a further note that now even suboxone doctors are only allowed 100 patients per practice so if you are 101 you will have to find another doctorREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Lenoir City, TN writes:
I'm 55 years old had to fall over 30 feet broke both legs both ankles hip broke in 4 places numerous metal screws pens crotch shots before dr. put me in pain clinics they were mean gave me too much I didn't ask for it said I had to take it my doctor knows what I need knows how my body isand I think it's unjust to make me go back 2 somewhere that don't careREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Cincinnati, OH writes:
My daughter has TN and has been in chronic pain for 20 years. She has had 5 brain surgeries and doctors just think she is looking for drugs. It is inconceivable how she is treated when at times she can't tell them because the pain in her head and mouth are so bad she can't talk all she does is stutter. The DEA should be ashamed for how people who are legitimately in pain are treated when they seem quite willing to help heroin addicts, etc. yet people with chronic pain get no help what so ever, they are classified as doctor shopping for pain medication. Her 2 youngest children (now in their 20's have never known their mother in any way put sick, they do not know what a vibrant, wonderful sense of humor, and intelligent person she once was due to her chronic pain and that is extremely sad. WAKE UP DEA AND HELP THE PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Midland, OH writes:
I have lived with chronic pain for 7 years now and have been treated after trying several drugs with opioids. They do no completely take away my pain but they do help me to do every day tasks that I would not otherwise be able to do and I am able to raise my children. I have been on the same drug for pain for 5 years with no change in the number of pills or the milligrams that I take because I am a chronic pain patient and I am not out to get high so the's actually work for me and for my fibromyalgia pain, degenerative disc disease pain, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. I should be given a choice. I would rather take a risk on the opioids affecting my health as I grow older and be able to raise my children rather than to have my children watch me suffer in pain and unable to get out of bed. My children should not be made to care for me because of beaurocrats and drug addicts. It doesn't help to take opioids out of the picture, if they want to get high they will find something else to get high. You think that your heroin epidemic is bad now wait until you take the rights away from pain patients you will see a bigger epidemic. You give heroin addicts help by supplying a place for them to shoot up and a place for them to get clean needles, so you condone this but refuse to let a chronic pain patient get what helps them. This sickens me.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Grandview, MO writes:
There are some people that need pain meds,such as myself. I took myself off of them 10 yrs ago,thinking it would be better for me. I do have several different ailments and disorders that cause me so much pain. I thought I could make it through. I can't find a physician that will even see me.I can't get out of my mouth trying to make such appointment, before theyou rattle off -- We won't be able to give you that. I ask if I can see a doctor, and that dr can make suggestions for physicians that might be helpful in each area. I still get turned down, to even be seen. Some of us really need it.We need drs in each area,if that helps.But,physicians leaving patients without telling them they aren't going to see you any longer is much more dangerous to a patient, by leaving them scared even,as to how they can find a physician that cares and will take the time to properly treat their patients and even save lives in some cases,depending on the patient and the medication. Please help us, and rethink about patients. I've endured so many things and I need to at least have a proper physician givING a thorough exam and referrals,if needed.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelMay 26th, 2016Someone from Lexington, TN signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Seymour, IN signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Philadelphia, PA signed.
May 26th, 2016Someone from Palmetto, GA signed.
May 25th, 2016Someone from Cincinnati, OH writes:
My letter below got cut off, here is the rest of what I wrote but didn't print when submitted; ...Get this thing back on track. Let the doctors get back to doctoring and let those who suffer daily from chronic pain get back to trying to making it through another day. I personally am not a chronic pain patient, but I am the caregiver of someone who is. The perception of patient's who are prescribed opiates by the healthy public is grossly out of line with what is reality. Most people have absolutely no clue what someone who suffers from chronic pain must deal with every hour, of every day. Handcuffing a pain management doctor is morally wrong. It even criminal, in my opinion. We don't let terminally ill patient's suffer with pain; why should it be different for those who are not? Please answer that question for me.REPORT COMMENTS
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