First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
-
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Sarasota, FL writes:
I also moved to FL from IL when I retired, and to accommodate my wife's transfer with her employer. I have a 10 (ten) year dossier of back issued which got worse over time, such as severe facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, several bulging disks and compressed spinal nerves. When I moved to FL from IL, after showing a referred pain doc (from my doc in IL) my dossier, he took me on, but only gave me 1/3 of the medication I was on in IL. He stated firmly that the amount I was getting was the MAXIMUM he gives anyone, stated that he did not "want to keep having this discussion, or I could go somewhere else". The CVS pharmacy I went to with the script I had (5 pills of 15 mg oxycodone and 500 mg of tramadol, all daily) read me the riot act as well, and told me they rarely fill prescriptions with this much meds, and they only did so because they knew the doctor. This is ridiculous. I am in constant pain, cannot exercise or workout, and have extreme difficulties even doing daily home duties like cleaning, preparing meals, grocery shopping, etc. because my back hurts so bad. I often think about either moving back to IL, or even have contemplated suicide, though not seriously (yet). All because of some criminal people who did wrong, and were punished. We are ALL STILL being punished and there are 10s of thousands of this. My IL doctor warned me this would happen, and referred me to my current pain doc only because he knew he would give SOME meds, unlike other docs he has heard of. -
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Sarasota, FL writes:
We moved from IL when my husband was offered an early retirement, so we could enjoy our time in the lovely Sarsota area. My husband has severe spinal stenosis, and he was managed by a responsible pain doctor in IL and was able to function in daily living and enjoy some recreational activities. Due to the severe restrictions on pain meds here in FL, the pain doctor here cut his meds in 1/2 immediately. After living in FL for just five months, he can barely do daily living activities without severe pain. He cannot do any of the enjoyable activities we planned to do here. He often feels like staying in bed all day. He cannot enjoy his early retirement like he planned. This is affecting him emotionally (which the docs would help). As long as a patient is compliant with the pain prescriptions and passes the monthly drug test, there is no reason to ruin a person's quality of life because of a few drug seekers and a few bad doctors.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, Cancel -
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Sarasota, FL writes:
We moved from IL when my husband was offered an early retirement, so we could enjoy our time in the lovely Sarsota area. My husband has severe spinal stenosis, and he was managed by a responsible pain doctor in IL and was able to function in daily living and enjoy some recreational activities. Due to the severe restrictions on pain meds here in FL, the pain doctor here cut his meds in 1/2 immediately. After living in FL for just five months, he can barely do daily living activities without severe pain. He cannot do any of the enjoyable activities we planned to do here. He often feels like staying in bed all day. He cannot enjoy his early retirement like he planned. This is affecting him emotionally (which the docs would help). As long as a patient is compliant with the pain prescriptions and passes the monthly drug test, there is no reason to ruin a person's quality of life because of a few drug seekers and a few bad doctors.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, Cancel -
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Sarasota, FL writes:
We moved from IL when my husband was offered an early retirement, so we could enjoy our time in the lovely Sarsota area. My husband has severe spinal stenosis, and he was managed by a responsible pain doctor in IL and was able to function in daily living and enjoy some recreational activities. Due to the severe restrictions on pain meds here in FL, the pain doctor here cut his meds in 1/2 immediately. After living in FL for just five months, he can barely do daily living activities without severe pain. He cannot do any of the enjoyable activities we planned to do here. He often feels like staying in bed all day. He cannot enjoy his early retirement like he planned. This is affecting him emotionally (which the docs would help). As long as a patient is compliant with the pain prescriptions and passes the monthly drug test, there is no reason to ruin a person's quality of life because of a few drug seekers and a few bad doctors.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, Cancel -
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Schwenksville, PA signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Port Orange, FL writes:
On workers compensation for 6 months no doctor has treated me I can't go to the emergency room no more they won't give me any pain medicine and workers compensation has not only sent me two neurosurgeon and I want me to go to physical therapy I've never had any pain medicine from any doctor other than an emergency room doctor I have sciatica stenosis arthritis two bulging disc in my lower back and degenerative disc disease I have worked in the labor force for almost 40 years now I hurt my back they're sending me checks but given me no medical attention till now 6 months later physical therapy still no medication for my backREPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from New Smyrna Beach, FL writes:
Agony am close to end--why has this happened? I didn't want to die yet....REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelREPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from New Market, TN signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Louisville, KY signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Ambler, PA signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Midland, TX writes:
Right now I am waiting for my husband to be transferred to a rehab facility because he could not get Oxycontin prescribed for his post op pain for total knee replacement a week ago. We live in a small town and went to Dallas for the surgery where he was given Oxycontin post op with great pain coverage and no side effects...his mind was clear and he could do his physical therapy. Now he can't even stand without excruciating pain. He barely eats and can't do his PT. The surgeon is not allowed by Federal law (DEA) to fax Schedule II meds. RX to a pharmacy I would have to drive 5 hours to pick up RX and deliver it to a pharmacy. His primary physician here at home will not give him any Schedule II RX so off the the rehab center for expensive care that Medicare and supplemental insurance will have to pay for (taxpayers) because he cannot get needed pain control meds. at home. The Dr. here is literally scared of loosing his license because of the DEA. Our physician knows us very well both professionally and as friends. We've never misused drugs in anyway and it was obvious that my husband was suffering terribly. This fear mongering by seemingly well intentioned government officials is allowing many patients to suffer needlessly. This law was not well thought out by the lawmakers. I'm so sorry for the suffering of all individuals who must live with intractable pain because physicians are being bullied by the DEA .REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Kodak, TN writes:
I have been suffering with chronic pain sense I turned 35. I have seen the same pain clinic sense I started my journey with pain. Note I will be left to suffer because non dr's said I should shame on the USA.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Lebanon, KY writes:
I have been in chronic pain, for over 6 years now. I have chronic back pain with sciatica, my legs and arms sting, burn, and go numb everyday, I have a chronic bladder disease and my bladder has fell down. I have pelvic floor prolapse, it is just a struggle to do every day things!! I have been going to a pain clinic this whole time and and all ways take random drug test, I have never failed one and only take the meds that I am prescribed if it wasn't for these meds I could not live a normal life. It is all to ridiculous that something isn't being done, I am only 31 and have to live with this chronic pain. The whole time I have been going to this pain clinic I have been prescribed the same pain meds I have never missed an appointment untill know they said they cannot prescribed pain meds without another appointment which is in three days so I know what its like to be without the medicine and it is horrible, to not be able to cope and have to lay around sick because people with chronic pain are being treated like drug dealers and addicts and I went to the ER and the ER doctor said that they are scared to write people like me pain medication because of the DEA will take there doctors license and he said its a same because people like me and others who take there meds like there supposed can not get help because of others who miss abuse them and the DEA has crack down on everything so bad that doctors are afraid of loosing there license. Why isn't something being done to help people with chronic pain? Its just sad that you can't get the medical help you need nor the medication to cope and live a everyday life!! Something needs to be done!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Superior, WI writes:
Today I wonder how I will make it through work because of the severe pain in my back. Again. I am tired of suffering, I am tired of being forced to repeatedly try things that have never worked for me. I am tired of being denied the ONE thing that has helped, opiods, and to be accused of drug seeking. You want to know what I'm seeking? Some RELIEF!!! I'm In my 40's and have lived with constant pain levels at 7 or 8 for years. I'll put a bullet in my head before I do this for 40 years. Get out of practicing medicine DEA!!! Stop making pain patients suffer to make yourselves look good! You are killing people slowly. It's not our fault that some dumb asses abused opiods. WE HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE PATIENTS!!!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Lebanon, KY writes:
I have been in chronic pain, for over 6 years now. I have chronic back pain with sciatica, my legs and arms sting, burn, and go numb everyday, I have a chronic bladder disease and my bladder has fell down. I have pelvic floor prolapse, it is just a struggle to do every day things!! I have been going to a pain clinic this whole time and and all ways take random drug test, I have never failed one and only take the meds that I am prescribed if it wasn't for these meds I could not live a normal life. It is all to ridiculous that something isn't being done, I am only 31 and have to live with this chronic pain. Why isn't something being done to help people with chronic pain?REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Jasper, IN writes:
I can barely take care of myself,shower,fix food to eat. I am in pain,ddd bulging disc. Just because pill popping idiots kill themselves for a buzz,should notcause us to live in pain. Give me my meds,until you Doctors fix my back.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Freehold, NJ writes:
Once again I call Senators Sweeney, Memendez, Booker and Singers offices, left messages concerning the hell i am being FORCED TO LIVE BY OUR GOVERNMENT AND THE DEA! Someone will call you back.,.********! WAKE THE HELL UP! Is anyones paying attention to the chronic intractable pain sufferers!?!? STRIPPING US OF OUR LIFE SAVING MEDS IS INHUMANE! Those of you signing this petition, please continue to call your senators, give them hell like they are FORCING US TO BE IN! Ive been in contact with the US Pain Foundation, suggested they organize a protest/march at the foot of congress. The legit chronic intractable pain sufferers need to ban together as one and fight for our rights!!! How would any if you in congress or the DEA like being hit with a baseball bat over your back over and over, the pain one would feel, THATS MY LIFE! I bet though you all get whatever meds you need to have a quality of life, I bet no doctors are turning their backs on you or your loved ones!! PEOPLE ARE KILLING THEMSELVES DUE TO INADEQUATE PAIN RELIEF, YOU ALL HAVE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS BECAUSE OF IT!! YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES, KILLING INNOCENT CHRONIC INTRACTABLE PAIN SUFFERERS ONE BY ONE...STOP DICTATING TO US WHAT WE CAN AND CANT DO TO TREAT OUR PAIN! YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I DEAL WITH EVERY DAY, THE EXCRUCIATING PAIN I AM IN BE AUSE MY MEDS WERE LOWERED TO INEFFECTIVE DOSES LEAVING ME IN AGONY! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST. I FOLLOW THE RULES! I DO NOT GET HIGH I GOT RELIEF. RELIEF THAT ALLOWED ME TO SHOWER DAILY OR COOK A MEAL FOR MY KID. YOU ALL ARE A DISGRACE TO OUR FOREFATHERS WHO BUILT THIS COUNTRY. SHAME THE HELL ON ALL OF YOU!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Ringwood, NJ writes:
I thought the days of watching my poor sweet wife crying in pain, unable to be productive and depressed were over. Boy, I did not see this crazy stuff coming. She has suffered so much the past 2 decades. Please lord, let the powers in charge read my words and feel the pain that my whole family feels. Me and the kids hurt so much to see her hurt. Please God, help my wife. You allowed her to have children, now please make her well enough to care for them and enjoy being around them-at least sometimes. I just want to go in that doctors office and make that doctor feel the pain my poor little sick wife feels, everyday. I can't believe the powers to be implemented rules on doctors because of the epidemic and never took the time to evaluate what would happen to the genuinely sick patients if doctors got pushed too far. It's shameful. It really is.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Ringwood, NJ writes:
My debilitatiing pain comes from Multiple Sclerosis and my CNS. It is not musculoskeletal. Although, since the diagnosis about 15 years ago, I also have spinal arthritis and 4 herniated discs which are compounding the pain. I cannot tolerate the long acting meds. I am sensitive to medications and the long acting ones made me sick and I threw them back up. My pharmacist says that is not from the medication but the other ingredients like coloring agents, fillers and binders that many people are sensitive to. My neurologist handled my pain for about 7 years and then insisted I go to pain management as I was complaining tat my pain was not under control. Pain management took me off the fentynal patch that left me with big red welts and sick to my stomach from the smell of formaldehyde. He decided instead, to allow me to use the breakthrough medicine at a higher dose and eliminate the long acting med since I was not tolerating any of them well. I was doing so good. After three years of laying on the couch crying with no quality of life, I was able to be the mother and wife I wanted to be. I still had many days that I was sick from the MS and Migraines however, the pain was finally under control. My doctor had to leave my pain management office. The new doctor is afraid of the DEA and lectures me at every visit that "It's not you, it is me. They want to take my license because I have over prescribed." You are a good patient and I can see you genuinely need pain medicine but I have to cut you down. He has cut me down to 50 percent of what I was taking and plans on cutting me down even more. I am now in pain every day and at a complete loss as to how to take my meds as he decreased my overall quantity but didn't change my dosing directions. I am hurting again and do not understand why I have to suffer because he did something wrong in the past. I am afraid to go to a new doctor because I just guess I think they are all doing the same thing. My quality of life is terrible again and I am back on anti-depressants and seeing a psychiatrist again. He wants me to use medical mj. However, I have never used marijuana and I don't smoke. He says the pills are not approved for ms so I would have to smoke it. I feel uncomfortable about that. Why can't I report this doctor to the DEA who is actually hurting me by reducing my meds for that particular reason. He is afraid of the DEA! He admitted it. What happened to the doctors who really cared about their patients? Did the pill and heroin epidemic also cause the rule makers and doctors to suddenly become inhumane dummies? I just don't understand how the DEA can allow the doctors to do this. They fixed one problem and created a really big new one for genuinely sick patients like me. Thanks for ruining my life. Are you listening? Do you even care? God help us!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Ringwood, NJ writes:
My debilitatiing pain comes from Multiple Sclerosis and my CNS. It is not musculoskeletal. Although, since the diagnosis about 15 years ago, I also have spinal arthritis and 4 herniated discs which are compounding the pain. I cannot tolerate the long acting meds. I am sensitive to medications and the long acting ones made me sick and I threw them back up. My pharmacist says that is not from the medication but the other ingredients like coloring agents, fillers and binders that many people are sensitive to. My neurologist handled my pain for about 7 years and then insisted I go to pain management as I was complaining tat my pain was not under control. Pain management took me off the fentynal patch that left me with big red welts and sick to my stomach from the smell of formaldehyde. He decided instead, to allow me to use the breakthrough medicine at a higher dose and eliminate the long acting med since I was not tolerating any of them well. I was doing so good. After three years of laying on the couch crying with no quality of life, I was able to be the mother and wife I wanted to be. I still had many days that I was sick from the MS and Migraines however, the pain was finally under control. My doctor had to leave my pain management office. The new doctor is afraid of the DEA and lectures me at every visit that "It's not you, it is me. They want to take my license because I have over prescribed." You are a good patient and I can see you genuinely need pain medicine but I have to cut you down. He has cut me down to 50 percent of what I was taking and plans on cutting me down even more. I am now in pain every day and at a complete loss as to how to take my meds as he decreased my overall quantity but didn't change my dosing directions. I am hurting again and do not understand why I have to suffer because he did something wrong in the past. I am afraid to go to a new doctor because I just guess I think they are all doing the same thing. My quality of life is terrible again and I am back on anti-depressants and seeing a psychiatrist again. He wants me to use medical mj. However, I have never used marijuana and I don't smoke. He says the pills are not approved for ms so I would have to smoke it. I feel uncomfortable about that. Why can't I report this doctor to the DEA who is actually hurting me by reducing my meds for that particular reason. He is afraid of the DEA! He admitted it. What happened to the doctors who really cared about their patients? Did the pill and heroin epidemic also cause the rule makers and doctors to suddenly become inhumane dummies? I just don't understand how the DEA can allow the doctors to do this. They fixed one problem and created a really big new one for genuinely sick patients like me. Thanks for ruining my life. Are you listening? Do you even care? God help us!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Pasadena, TX signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Westford, MA signed.
Nov 10th, 2015Someone from Raleigh, NC writes:
I have disability at 54 for pain from neck injury & cannot get any treatment. I was forced to use fentanyl patch that made me "nod off" and feel Sick. When the doctor switched me to low dose morphine, the PA yelled at me. When I said "this is poor quality healthcare" I was done for. In 5 months, I never got pain relief, never got to be upright & moving. Even with expensive ablation. Now I cannot be treated. I'm not mean, but I spoke up about poor treatment. There were only bad, sketchy, inept practices. I've since learned they do it &/or get away with it because of DEA response to heroin epidemic/ prescription pills! This makes no sense. Living in pain isn't just unrelenting agony, it is detrimental to physical health. This is stupid & cruel. We know better.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 10th, 2015Someone from Nashville, NC signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Lebanon, OH signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Burnsville, MN signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Burnsville, MN signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Elloree, SC signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from West Plains, MO writes:
They will keep running us in circles until we give up. I have pain that cannot be denied by anyone. I get call from nurse and she says will call in a med that I had just recently tried 4 months ago will no relief. The doc know this. Its a way of saying they did something. When you tell them that you have just tried it, you get no call back. They want you to leave and start with another doc and start the bs all over again. They hope you will give up. This petition when made, required 20,000 sigs to make a mandatory response from the white house. It was changed to 100,000 after this started. It is fact. This petition is falling on deaf ears. Use it as a chat room, whatever. After witnessing the elderly being refused treatment, Us on this petition, And many other horrors stories that ive seen first hand to this day, I recall a verse that states good will be taken as evil and evil will be taken as good. We are in grave times and we all know it. But I will not give in to it. Soon I believe this all will come to light. Just like to be around to watch them dance in the heat. Another quake directly underneath their demonic souls would not stop the acts of cruelty they are currently doing.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Milton, WV writes:
my doctors are bleeding my insurance by passing me back and forth wanting usless test they already have ! im totaly disabled with injuries that will never heal yet they keep .i have had mris ever year as if a schl.and they never change . xrays over and over,why ??? does the gov. like paying for usless test,if so please tell me this right and i will keep quit.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Milton, WV writes:
im at the end ,tired of suffering 24/7.all my doctors do is bleed my insurance !! then look at me and say yea you need to be on meds. but we beleive its better for you to suffer than give you meds. to help your quilty of life !!!please im suffering from three failed back surg.one neck surg. had my back and neck broke by a person texting and driving now i have four discs. gone in my back they are bone on bone.please someone help me.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Gore, OK writes:
My husband was a victim of this type of treatment. Its disgusting.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Milton, WV writes:
im at the end ,tired of suffering 24/7.all my doctors do is bleed my insurance !! then look at me and say yea you need to be on meds. but we beleive its better for you to suffer than give you meds. to help your quilty of life !!!!!!!!!!!REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Columbus, OH signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Gautier, MS writes:
I am a retired paramedic and have a torn rotator cuff which has taken over a period of 7 months to diagnose? Many X-rays and office visits until I finally asked why have we not scheduled surgery? No pain meds ordered! But they ordered physical therapy before surgery??? Hello? They milk the insurance then call you a drug addict! Even if they have the diagnosis and won't operate! That place is Dr. Karpaskaya at Bienville Ortho in Ocean Springs, Ms.REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Jacksonville, FL signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Secaucus, NJ signed.
Nov 9th, 2015Someone from Albuquerque, NM writes:
They should give us the right to choose life thenREPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, CancelNov 9th, 2015Someone from Honolulu, HI writes:
When the DEA tells Doctors what to do without any regard for patients it will be bad for everyone. People in pain will try to relieve it by slowly killing themselves with alcohol ... or quickly, eating the barrel of a gun...REPORT COMMENTS
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.
No, Cancel
Do you want to report these comments to the moderator for removal? They should be offensive, threatening, a duplicate submission, or spam.