First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
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Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Dyersville, IA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Naples, FL signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Clarksville, TN writes:
Born with a birth defect which has led to arthritis in both hips surgeons refuse to touch me because it is such an extensive surgery. T7 compression fracture unrepaired. Neuralgia, degenerative disc disease and about ten other back hip knee and flank pain can't stand without electric shock in both feet legs and hips and a positive test causing hypersensitive nerves. This law isn't helping stop drug abuse this law is genocide. While on medication I ran my own business helping troubled teens now my days entail painfully rolling from side to side and applying for disability. Chronic pain exists but if congress does this genocide will be the call because we need help and only the perfect people and drug abusers deserve a life. Believe me drug abusers are the winners because they will always find it and the people who abide by the rules will be the next great genocide.Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Crestview, FL writes:
Injured in Afghanistan in 2002. Have had several spinal surgeries. Nothing helps. The only relief I had was from opiates. 10 years on pan management with the same doctor until he left for another state because of the strict Florida regulations. I was referred to another doctor and at my first appointment was accused of being an addict. I was lucky to find another doctor, but I developed an acute condition (spinal bone infection) which required more than my maintenance dosage. My doctor immediately dropped me for breaking contract when he was on the phone with the ER doc who gave me additional pain relief and he knew what was going on. My Primary care doctor has agreed to take care of me until I can get this acute issue fixed but the pharmacy will no longer fill prescriptions for me because I have seen more than one doctor in the past three months. I cannot live like this. I will end up a statistic. 22 veterans a day.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Battle Ground, WA writes:
I have lower back degenerative and bulging discs that also press on my nerves, and torn ligaments in my neck along with degenerative discs. I see a chiropractor 3 times a week, have tried massage therapy,acupuncture, YEARS of physical therapy and YET getting pain meds to help me with quality of life and function without pain so bad it stops my day has now become almost impossible. Steroids work but only for so long and they are horrible weakening the tissue healing properly. Yet because other people have used rx meds to get high people in actual pain get the short end of the stick? How does that work? If someone stole my car and wrecked it would you then take my drivers license away? Imagine having pain so bad you feel like your going to have a heart attck because your adrenaline is so high and have the er Dr. tell you that meditation, ice and ibuprofen is what I should do. So when you take enough ibuprofen to cause an ulcer and make you sicker and still be in pain what do you do? Ice and meditation? How cruel can the government be? Why shouldn't I have the say in how I choose to be treated, Ive done the steroidal epidurals which are horrible and emulsify tissue! No creditable Dr. would make that a long term treatment yet that's what I was told to try, pain management said a dose of 10-325 hydrocone was too low a dose to have a pain contract, I wouldve been more than happy to be randomly drug tested to get the pain relief I KNOW work for me, but no, so over a grand for a xray guided injection that benefits last 2 weeks if that and cause pain for the first 2 weeks after, feeling like your discs are being pushed apart, was the answer I was given, so being a drain on my medical insurance, making it a guarantee that I will defiantly need major surgery later in life is preferable that prescribing hydrocodone that helps the pain better? I'm not addicted to pain meds, I chose to take them for severe pain that would have me collecting disability if I didn't have an prescription for. When I started my prescription I quit drinking even the occasional glass of wine, I quit smoking and made healthier choices in order to make sure the effects of the drug on my body were minimal. Not only is taking away actual pain relief from patients cruel punishment, I didn't ask for my body to be damaged, but I do plead that I am able to have acceptable pain relief.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Minnetonka, MN signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Santa Fe, NM writes:
I have been in agonizing pain(bulged discs, sciatica) for over 2 months with a doctor who is terrified to prescribe painkillers to any patient who doesn't already have a terminal condition. I cannot live the rest of my life in pain and as the weather becomes colder this pain intensifies and I cannot find comfort in any position or at any time. I sleep less than 2 hours per night, I am constantly on a heating pad or laying on a stack of pillows and my daily tasks are going unattended. My kids basically have to "fend for themselves" because of my level of immobility when I literally did everything for them prior to this. This is persecution of Injured People and those whose job it is to help them, Period.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Freeport, IL writes:
I am in chronic pain. Without pain meds I can hardly move. I am going to college and working. A single mom who is trying to better her life. If you take my meds, you take away my ability to function. You take away my ability to better myself. You take away my ability to be self sufficient. Do you want one more person on disability? Tylenol won't help me. Pain is so great I was destroying my liver by taking too much Tylenol! And it's legal! No restrictions there! I can't take ibuprofen every 4 hours round the clock. It destroys stomach lining. I could get an ulcer, and if it's bad enough, die. I cave take Aleeve. I spent most of my spring and summer recovering from horrific gives that turned into peeling chemical burn like skin lesions. FROM ALEEVE. I couldn't wear clothing. It hurt too much. Couldn't sit or stand for long. Nope. I need my tramadol so I can dress myself, walk normally, do housework, drive, parent, work, etc.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Memphis, TN writes:
I say we hook them up to pain simulators I guarantee they couldn't handle 1 hour of my 24/7 pain.. fatigue..tremors...nerve pain ect..... they would hit the floor swearing there gonna die... and as far as addicts wonder how many turned to illegal drug use to relive medical issues that aren't being treated. I never tried drugs in my life until two years of neglect from the very people who sworn to do no harm..... im clean now but making the medication that we need to even have a life (more or less a good quality of life ) impossible to get is leading to addictions way worse that a loratab... suicides... arrests for buying pain meds thats stupid what else do you want us to do??? Our options are limited because of all this.....REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Mount Orab, OH signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Houston, TX writes:
we did NOTHING wrong and are being tortured and killed by the very agencies and government that is supposed to protect us we are NOT addicts - we are dependent upon these medications for basic quality of life... EXACTLY the same was that diabetics are dependent on their insulin... why are we The Bad Sick People. age 50 / broken spine @ 1987 / opiates are all that will work / 20 plus years taking them and never ONCE an early refill or ANY issues with these life saving medsREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Seattle, WA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Simi Valley, CA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Monroe, WA writes:
I was run over by a truck at 5 yrs. Multiple spinal damage and also severe fibromyalgia and Myofacial pain. Ive been on pain meds for over20 yrs. and have never abused or overdosed. I am 59. I can barely take care of my daily needs and without these I would not be able to care for myself at all. I never chose these horrific pain diseases. It does not mean I'm a addict. It means I can at least function to some degree and enjoy the few things in life I can still do. Like spending time with my grandchildren. The suicide rate amoung fibro patients who do not get help with pain control is extremely high. We treat our pets better when suffering than our disabled. This is nothing but cruelty at its worst. There are many non narcotic drugs that kill so many from side effects or neglect. I know. I lost 3 family members due to medication reactions in hospitals that were not on pain meds. Please stop attacking the sick and vulnerable over big pharma and ignorance.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Marina Del Rey, CA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Bell, CA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Nazareth, PA signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from North Olmsted, OH writes:
As I read theses comments I can so relate, it's so sad and so frustrating to be in this place. I'll take you thru a small journey thru my life of pain.sorry if it's long ! I was 17 yrs old when my periods were unbearable,month after month I would be in tears,crawling around begging for this to stop.finally after multiple trips to the dr I was referred to someone that diagnosed me with endometriosis, fibroids and ayndmyosis.( endometriosis in the lining of the uterus ) so making my condition even more painful. After yrs of suffering and many, many laparoscopic surgeries at the age of 29 I had a hysterectomy! ( with leaving the right ovary) Finally some relief!! NOPE ,Then 12 days after my hysterectomy the surgeon " didn't stich up the vaginal cuff" I nearly bled to death 2 Xs ! I required 2blood transfusions and another surgery, along with ways to make that repair!!! Then 2 yrs after my hysterectomy I have a total pelvic organ prolapse! So back to surgery I went, to pin up my organs! The most painful surgery I've endured ( 12total) 100 internal stitches to " fix me" Two yrs of CONSTANT PAIN . No pain medication as of this far ,just post surgery. Now thru the yrs more surgeries bc of DENSE , fibrosis adhesions. In October 2012 I had a " mystery illness " no one could figure out no test, no dr, nothing. My pelvis felt like glue I couldn't move without PAIN . Still no pain medication.Horrible pain. I had a fever that was unexplained? A yr later I had yet another surgery . My appendix was stuck to my pelvic side wall and poor batted ovary. They released it and found more fibrosis ,adhesions. Then the nerve damage hit. I'm in pain all the time . Tried pt, with little relief, acupuncture, injections, tens unit. Thought it might be back pain to add to this. So i get an Mri, I've got two herniated discs ,not so bad .but painful to top off my pelvic issue. Along this journey my dr prescribed hydrocodone in 2014. 1-2 twice daily. I take it and it works.. Finally some relief I'm sill uncomfortable,but not miserable.life goes on and I never take more than prescribed , passed my urine drug test ( was offended,but knew it was her job) then two weeks ago she says, I need to wean you off these narcotics! So discontinues the Rx. I was in shock to say the least. Finally find something that gives me some relief and now bc of ppl that abuse these I'm in the cold. I don't understand why these Drs that KNOW your history, know it's real, seen what you've been thru, give you something that helps just to take it away..I'm so miserable , in pain with Advil to take.. Yea Advil is for a headache..not chronic pain.. Not for ppl with real pain. Not fair , not at all!!!! Drs need to stand up to the Dea , stand up for their patients that are in REAL, DOCUMENTED PAIN!!!! In 41 yrs old and this started in 25 yrs ago... And I'll be in this pain forever probably with Advil or Tylenol.. Not right!!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Largo, FL signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Woodbine, NJ signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Freehold, NJ writes:
I am emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted. I feel myself each day giving in to suicide more and more. I cannot sleep or eat anymore as the pain is excruciating. I cry all night long begging God to take me, during the day I try and hide my pain from my kid. I am all he has and I know if I take my life it will destroy him, I wont be that selfish, but boy I gotta tell ya what living like this does to a persons mental and emotional state of mind. There IS NO REASON FOR THIS DAMMIT!! THERE IS MEDICATION THAT WORKS, MEDS I WAS ON FOR YEARS THAT WORKED. ITS BEEN TAKE FROM ME AND I AM NOW TREATED LIKE A ****ING ADDICT!! SCREW YOU ALL!! How the **** do you think it feels to live in excruciating pain every day, then the discrimination, neglect, abuse, mistreatment I have ben given trying to find a better pain dr than the one I am with!?!? One that will have compassion for the chronically ill, one that will stand up to the pieces of shits running this country and the DEA. NONE IF YOU HAVE ANY RIGHT GETTING INVOLVED WITH HEALTHCARE WHEN YOU DONT KNOW******ABOUT IT. STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW..****ING UP THE COUNTRY AND PUTTING US IN BIGGER TROUBLE THAN WE ARE! You come after those who are to weak, who are in to much pain, who are most on disability, oh by the way good one there congress not raising our benefits, cant even agford to ****ing feed my kid now. The multiple bottles of junk pills are still sitting at the pharmacy and I cant afford them. Pills the GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO CRAM DOWN MY THROAT THAT DONT ****ING WORK!! I am so dam mad ! I WONT MY ****ING LIFE BACK!! WHO THE **** ARE ANY OF YOU TO SAY WHO CAN HAVE WHAT PAIN MEDS AND AT WHAT DOSE!?!? PAIN DONT ****ING WORK THAT WAY *******S!! EVERY PERSON TOLERATES MEDS DIFFERENTLY, EVERY PERSON SUFFERS DIFFERENTLY. my kids are witnessing this cou try going back to the nazi era when hitler took the lives of innocent men, women and children. GENOCIDE THRU SUICIDE IS HERE IN THIS COUNTRY BROUGHT ON BY THE ****ING SCUMBAGS RUNNING IT!! TAKE A GOID LONG LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR AS YOU READ THESE LETTERS WROTE BY THE SUFFERING!! YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN HITLER. YOU HAVE PUT THOSE SUFFERING IN CHRONIC INTRACTABLE PAIN ( by the way do you have a ****ing clue what that even means!?!? Pain so severe it will NEVER ****ING GO AWAY) WHY NOT JUMP ON THE ALCOHOL TRAIN AMD MAKE IT ILLEGAL, STRIP EVERYONE OF THIS COUNTRY OF THEIR GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO GET ****ING DRUNK!! YOU WOULDNT DARE DO THAT WOULD YOU. THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE WHO CONSUME ALCOHOL EVERY ****ING DAY AND THATS JUST FINE RIGHT!? MEANWHILE THISE SUFFERING IN PAIN THAT REQUIRE NARCOTICS ARE TREATED LIKE GOD DAM CRIMINALS, ARENT ALLOWED TO EVEN HAVE A DAM GLASS OF WINE, CANT MIX IT WITH THE PILLS AND GOD FORBID THAT SHOULD COME UP IN A ****ING DRUG TEST. YOU HAVE STOMPED ON MY RIGHTS LONG ENOUGH! YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL. I CANNOT LIVE LIKE THIS ANYMORE AND REALIZE IF I WANT TO LIVE FOR MY SONS SAKE I HAVE TO FIGHT FOR MY RIGHTS TO HAVE RECEIVE THEREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 22nd, 2015Someone from Eustis, FL signed.
Oct 22nd, 2015Someone from Bessemer, AL signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Coeur D Alene, ID writes:
Why I have to live with fear, pain, and humiliation is beyond me. We have finally made sure that all races have equal rights, that all sexual affiliations have equal rights, now chronic pain patients have become the second class citizens.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Newcastle, CA writes:
Absolutely ridiculous. My primary Dr retired and I have been assigned to a new doctor who said I can't take see you because of your chronic pain condition. I have been searching for a new DR and they are screening patients asking if I take any medications and if I do they say they cannot accept me. How are people suppose to get the medications they need to function?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Camden, AR signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Hooksett, NH signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Bryant, AR writes:
In 1996, while giving my mother a kidney my pelvic was crushed. I had to have a spinal fis sion on L5. This was in the old days where I was cut from the middle of my back to my belly bottom. I was in perfect health and was playing softball the night before the surgery. I became an invalid overnight. In excruciating pain. After the spinal fussion the pain was much worse. I couldn't walk for a year. I was send to a pain clinic after 5 doctors said I was "depressed" and there was nothing wrong with me. I saw a doctor at this clinic that started the so called procedures, which are not even approved for the back, only the knees. This doctor preceded to give me these shots every month for almost a year. She was fired for giving too many shots. All these shots caused more scar tissue in my back. I saw a doctor at the clinic who gave me a dye test and found out my disc was crushed, now this was after 4 years of no treatment. I was sent to a surgeon who preformed the spinal fussion. All of this at the age of 36, with small children at home. This clinic was shut down so I went to a local hospital where there was a pain clinic and I saw The doctor I had been with now for 14 years. I was this this doctor's first patient. In 2004 had to have another surgery for sciatica. In the meantime, I was never told that a spinal fussion would cause degenerative disc disease. I wEnt to this doctor and over the years I had over 60 of these procedures. Eight years ago I refuses to have any more of these procedures, not only did they not work, I was in excruciating pain for months after. I have severe side effect to most medications. Doctor tried all kinds could only take two kinds of pain meds that I am currently on. Tried pain pumps, TENS units, physical therapy. I tried everything nothing worked. To put the icing on the cake I caught a disease at the hospital, where I ran a high fever for two years. Every time I went to doctor took a drug test and my pills were counted. Not once, in 14 years did flunk drug test, never short on pills. By this time the care I was getting at my pain clinic was horrendous. I was talked to like I was a drug addict. I didn't see the doctor but once in a year and a half. Saw his nurse practitioner. The doctor kept cutting my pain meds. A year ago I got sciatica extremely bad. After not complaining for over 10 years, just coming and getting my meds every month. I was given Suma. It was like I had my life back. I was out of 80 percent of my pain. It' was wonderful. I go into my doctor in August and was told he would not longer write Suma because the DEA was on his back. It was like I had been in a torture chamber and was rescued and was out of the torture, then being told you have to go back. It didn't stop there, he would no longer write my pain meds and I had to take OPANA ER. I tried to take the drug, had extreme side effects . With the doctor changing my meds around, I would not sREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from New Iberia, LA writes:
I by far am a drug seeker!! But I live in chronic pain every day! Since when is our fine government Dr's? DEA you need to stop thinking you know more than a licensed Dr!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Boiling Springs, SC signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Paducah, KY signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Nashville, TN writes:
i have rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis, degenerative disc disease, 3 injuries in my neck, fibromylagia, chronic headaches, undiagnosed bone pain and spasms in my feet and legs, and that's to start. i'm sick and tired of the uneducated DEA being in control of my illnesses and pain management, instead of the doctors who have gone to college to heal and treat patients. i'm tired of uneducated DEA using propaganda against sick people. there are more deaths via guns than ODs, yet we sell more and more guns. but, because overdoses happen due to things such as naloxone not being available, the sick are punished for a statistic that doesn't even affect most of us. i am sick of the current genocide of sick people in the united states and the UK and other places in the world. MAKE NO MISTAKE; THIS IS GENOCIDE.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Dahlonega, GA writes:
My neurologist has stopped prescribing even small amounts of hydrocodone. I used to get 1 bottle per year so I was taking 2 or 3 tablets per month for my worst migraine pain that couldn't be controlled by any other means. Now if I want to get that small amount I will have to go to a pain clinic with multiple appointments per year (we are rural so these appointments are far) just to take a few pills a month. How is this good medical care?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from West Brookfield, MA signed.
Oct 21st, 2015Someone from Oklahoma City, OK writes:
I had a lifetime of pain in my shoulders and neck and even had breast reduction surgery hoping that would help but to no avail. The MRI's, blood test and bone scans showed my body had escalated to Lupus, fibromyalgia, ruptured discs, degenerating spine and inflammatory osteoarthritis as well as diabetes. Along with that came migraine, tension, and lupus headaches. Due to nerve damage I now have excruciating pain in legs and burning in the feet.. Pain is never ending and although I've never had a bad urine or blood test I still feel like I'm treated as an addict. I wonder at times if my family would be better off with me alive or dead . God have mercy on all these bureacracies making all these decisions to punish doctors and denying us pain meds!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Mesa, AZ writes:
Will it take lawsuits against these doctors for the under-medication, or non treatment to change things? For most people with chronic pain, it is hard enough getting around but to subject them this kind of abuse is simply not the way for the DEA to find illegal drugs or for doctors to make an extra buck! Nobody wants to live with constant pain, or a chronic condition, but should not be used as leverage for a doctor to intimidate, scrutinize, and make excessive profits.The only contract that should be signed is one that protects the patient from a gap in their treatment for any reason, a promise of continuity of care by the doctor if the previous doctor is not available or retires, and a clause that states the doctor will not be held liable for any actions by the patient that are beyond his control. For instance, the doctor is not liable if the patient uses or abuses any other substance prescribed or not prescribed. This will protect the patient-doctor relationship as well. To place a patient in a state of medical emergency, black list and life-long struggle to maintain a minimal quality of life is malpractice!!! Doctors and pharmacies don't harass diabetics for having to use needles, scrutinizing them because of their disease or subjecting them to needle counting or numerous urine tests just to see if they are drinking. A person with a thyroid disease, that needs synthroid to survive, doesn't have to worry about getting fired or losing their medication if their pharmacy does not have enough medication for that month, just because they have to go to another pharmacy to get it. However this could be used against the pain patient if they have to go to another pharmacy, Where does it end? To make a life sustaining drug harder to get for legitimate reason will only make the street value skyrocket which will create more illegal attraction to peddle the drug. The price increase will also cause more demand for illegal drugs which is bad for the patient and bad for law enforcement and the public in general Also, if you are going to measure the DEA progress on the deaths from prescription drugs, that should include all medications in the report, you must also keep track of the suicides that may increase for someone who is denied pain relief for legitimate medical reasonsREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Mesa, AZ writes:
There not only needs to be laws and guidelines that protect the continuity of care for the individuals needs, consistent from state to state, but there also has to be complete transparency of the laws and guidelines to keep the doctors and pharmacies honest, without the patient there is no need for either.Patients who have been productive working citizens now have to file for disability due to their medications being reduced or cut to the point that they can no longer work due to the pain. Many are left with such unrelenting pain they are left incapacitated and so desperate for relief they have contemplated suicide. Even though the treatment of the pain with narcotics was successful and has never presented a problem patients are not given any continuity of care when they start over with a new doctor with more hoops to jump through and higher than normal costs to an already financially crippling affliction. Primary care doctors who have decided to put their interests above the patient are now dropping their pain patients and subjecting some of them to some of the most horrible pain management clinics. They have been subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by these pain clinics who stand to make more money than ever off the backs off these patients. These clinics prey on the patients fears by misinforming them about the laws pertaining to narcotic medications they may be taking with the DEA placing unreasonable demands to the patient. Stripping them of their dignity and time.. they are subjecting them to excessive appointments, alternate surgical procedures and injections that do not work, as well as expensive monthly urine tests. These urine tests are not only very expensive to insurance companies and the patient, but they test for all kinds of unjustified substances including alcohol. They use "narcotics contracts" or "controlled substance contracts" (not required by law), that has to be signed by the patient subjecting them to even more intimidation and fear. This type of contract gives the doctor a power that can abused and used for further financial gain. For example some contain provisions that state if an appointment is missed, or you do not have certain procedures the doctor requests , or alcohol is found in the system they can fire you. This not only leaves a patient in a horrifying state of pain, but in a possible critical medical emergency with the risk of seizure and possibly death from abrupt withdrawal. This also places the patient on a black-ball list that stigmatizes patient and possibly prevents them from ever getting relief for their debilitating pain. If a patient misses an appointment in any other field it is treated as just that, a missed appointment. They can choose to charge for that appointment, if the patient does not have a good reason for missing it, and reschedule and are certainly not denied their medications because they happen to miss an appointment. These doctors that abuse theirREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 21st, 2015Someone from Mesa, AZ writes:
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness",.. and no one may rightfully deny us these things! But at the hands of some politicians, doctors, the DEA and now pharmacies, patients with chronic pain are being denied basic rights that were supposed to be protected. Allowing a few politicians to put the health and welfare of the abuser who inappropriately abuses a medication not intended for them to be placed above the patients right to valid options for and relief from debilitating pain is absurd. People writing here need to be heard, what is happening right now in our country is cruel and inhumane and 100% preventable. Immediate action and legislation to protect patients with pain and to provide a nationwide continuity of care should be consistent regardless of the state they live in, insurance they carry or doctor they see! Patients should not be denied treatment that works or stigmatized because that treatment is considered a "narcotic". Choosing and providing care that works for the individual is between the patient and the doctor no one else. Established care should never be jeopardized by the abuses of others, prejudice of a religion, power of a political party, restrictions of an insurance company, profits of the pharmaceuticals or laws that limit supplies! Insurance companies should not be allowed to continue to deny medications with their pre-authorization rules, they are not doctors and should not be able to practice medicine without a license. The pendulum has swung so far out of proportion that the focus has been lost on the right thing to do and for whom to do it. Because of the inappropriate use of opioids by abusers we have allowed a long-acting medication to be altered with a plastic polymer (found in the abuse deterrent formulas), almost to the point of ineffectiveness for some and a detriment to those who depend on its relief. We have lost perspective when we allow delays or try to deny new 'unaltered' medications that could relieve the suffering of those with pain, because it might get in the wrong hands. When did we allow the evil to dictate policy, production and efficacy of a medication putting the interest and safety of the abuser first and foremost over the chronic pain patient for which the medication were intended? The patient's right to even a small chance at quality of life, has been severely altered at the hands of some lawmakers rendering patients to a life- long sentence of horrible suffering. We take better care of our pets in this country than we do people suffering with pain. Interference by the DEA has put a wedge between the care that is supposed to be provided by our doctors. It has created a negligent diversion of the Hippocratic oath from the doctor with the patient paying the price. Many patients are being told the DEA has put restrictions on how much they can prescribe an individual and they are to follow a 'morphine equivalent' for everyone he/she treats? Regardless of indREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 20th, 2015Someone from Chapel Hill, NC writes:
I had an infection in my hip six years ago and have taken pain medication every single day of my life since. I was able to graduate college, get into graduate school (which I had to leave because my chronic pain got much worse very suddenly), and now I am able to work full-time at a very physical job almost solely because of opioid medications. I am thankful that I have a doctor who is unafraid to prescribe me the opiate medications that I require to live my life, but many, many, many other people all over the country are not as fortunate and need help. Please, CDC, be merciful to your people.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 20th, 2015Someone from Saint Louis, MO writes:
Over a hundred years ago, 1.3% of the US population were drug addicts. Today, 1.3% of the US population are drug addicts. The War on Drugs has been lost. Making drugs illegal has NO EFFECT on drug addicts. It never has and it never will. The reality of the unwinnable war on drugs is that is has created an epidemic of suffering. One area where this is acutely clear is in the area of chronic pain. Doctors are even afraid to ease the suffering of **terminally ill** patients from fear of addiction. It doesn't matter that the patient won't live long enough to manifest any of the ills of addiction. Science also shows that not treating pain makes the pain worse, and can lead to a permanent pain condition. Brain plasticity insures that the more someone is in pain, the easier it is for their pain to become more severe and longer lasting. People who wouldn't be chronic pain patients are being turned into chronic pain patients by the non-treatment and undertreatment of acute pain. The pain becomes its own disease. The evidence of this is seen easily in the spinal dorsal horn, where pain nerves grow larger and longer over time when pain is left un- or under-undertreated. The War on Drugs is creating the problems and fixing nothing. Chronic pain affects at least 20% of the population. it is not recognized as an epidemic. Addiction has only ever affected 1.3% of the population. Chronic pain affects over FIFTEEN TIMES as many people. Yet addiction rates are routinely called epidemic to scare the public. The torture and terror of the DEA must stop.REPORT COMMENTS
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