First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
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Jan 3rd, 2015Someone from Spokane, WA writes:
I am a chronic pain patient. I live my life in severe pain and have pictures and records to show why. I have the right to have quality of life. But now, myself and other's like me are looked at and treated like a "drug addict" because you need a drug that politicians are taking away from us. I have a very compassionate doctor but can tell he is caving in by the pressure and l hate to think what my future is going to be like. I feel penalized and discriminated against for having an illness or should say illnesses. I, unlike a drug addict, depends on my doctor. However, they will always get something or the next "new thing". Stop controlling our doctor's from doing their job and making it so difficult they don't want to deal with it anymore. I'm not saying they shouldn't be careful but now because of you there is very few doctor's left that have the backbone and compassion to go through what you have dealt them. Don't even get me started on pain clinics. The one l went to was a racket. They get away with murder because people do whatever they say so they can have a life with managed pain. They have no choice. Guess who is responsible for that? You have given people no choice and if you ask me this will cause more unlawful drug connections. Why should innocent people suffer. Let the drug addict suffer. I feel guilty saying that but this has affected too many people who don't deserve this. -
Jan 2nd, 2015Someone from North Richland Hills, TX signed.
Jan 2nd, 2015Someone from Rochester, NY signed.
Jan 2nd, 2015Someone from Amarillo, TX writes:
WOW!! I'm not sure this wasn't a good idea, for me, at least. I was abruptly cut off hydrocodone back in Aug. 2014 by my pain management doc. He told me the new DEA regulations were "just too much trouble" and he wouldn't be prescribing hydrocodone any longer. BS I thought, that's what was at least taking the edge off. ALL my joints are involved with pain. It would be easier for me to list what doesn't hurt than list what does. I contemplated moving to a state where marijuana is legal for personal consumption OR just dealing with the pain on Tylenol 3 which doesn't even work on me. BUT, just the other day at Target I overheard a couple discussing the very rescheduling of hydrocodone and decided to engage them in conversation. Come to find out they TOO were cut off and their doctors REFUSE to prescribe them the very medication that alleviated their various pain causing diseases. Also, they too had been on pain medications for years, just like me. I asked what they were doing for alternative pain management since they too had Tylenol 3 which didn't help. Well, I was turned on to a easily available street drug which is WAY cheaper AND easily available, than monthly office co-pays, prescription cost, wear and tear on vehicle, time off from work (for appts or from being in too much pain to report to work., I've exhausted all my allotted "off time" due to pain. I've reduced my work schedule from full time to parttime, applied for food stamps and other various government assistant programs. I have qualified for most but am awaiting word on a couple still. Hopefully this works long enough for me to retire and before Texas decides to drug test welfare recipients. Hopefully!! In hindsight, I believe, wholeheartedly, that this is where the majority of pain patients are headed. I also believe the "powers that be" want this very outcome. Many will never make it because they will not bear the pain and commit suicide. I was fortunate to have encountered this couple early on after being cut off my pain medication. This new drug most certainly mimics the affects I got from the legal pain medications I no longer get. It takes the edge off so I can function daily which is what the pain medication did. It never really took all the pain away, just enough to work full time, come home and do chores, stay active on my days off, enjoy social events with family, etc. etc. My newly found remedy works the same way. The amazing thing is: It's way cheaper for me now. Hopefully I can survive my pain, sadly many wont, until Texas legalizes marijuana because, after all, that is my choice of drug.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 2nd, 2015Someone from Ridgewood, NY writes:
Poor decision. You are falsely lumping everyone legitimately suffering as drug addicts and losers. My wife, after 9 surgery's including liver resection (60%) is in great pain for weeks sometimes because she can't get her medication. It's sad and heartbreaking to see her shivering in bed crying that her feet hurt from her "DIAGNOSED" Peripheral Neuropathy. You should all be very ashamed of yourselves and shouldn't get a minute of peaceful rest at night knowing how many people are suffering because of this...your policy.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 2nd, 2015Someone from Lakeland, FL writes:
My pain dr stopped treating me because i would not let him inject me in my spine which is 5% of my pain i am disabiled by government i used to be a nurse i know that the only reason he is doing this is to receive more money from medicare and it needs to stop...maybe when someone dies and their family sues for millions it will, there are people out here who really do need help, i couldnt help my patients in the nursing home i worked in 11 yrs and now i cant even help myself this is shamefulREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 1st, 2015Someone from Colbert, OK writes:
I am now ex-Police and I now have a Spinal Cord Issue for life and perm Disabled at the age of 47. I'm told exact same thing by 6 different Neurosurgeons that I will have to be on strong Narcotics for my pain for the rest of my Life. I'm lucky if I get about 4 hours of rest in a 24 hour period. I do NOT search for Drugs for Leisure!! I HAVE to have them. I sincerely believe that if the Government Folk's who are in charge of changing or making our Laws had any kind of Neurological Pain....They would CHANGE their way of Thinking and HELP people like Me.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelJan 1st, 2015Someone from Wichita, KS signed.
Jan 1st, 2015Someone from Fort Gratiot, MI signed.
Jan 1st, 2015Someone from Rochester, NY signed.
Jan 1st, 2015Someone from Colorado Springs, CO signed.
Jan 1st, 2015Someone from Omaha, NE signed.
Jan 1st, 2015Someone from Muskogee, OK writes:
This is a recent answer on a post I did Not one of my articles or my story.I want to come to Washington to speak to the Senate and tell you about what this is doing to us.You have three of my family written as accidental overdose.they committed suicide because of this attack by your judgment and uncaring flippant use of the law to kill us. Robert Wiley national pain patient coalition. Feel free to put this in a better format and publish it I write and moderate as well as advocate for pain citezens who deal with chronic pain who require high amounts of opiates to have quality of life.I've lost family just last year to suicide by dr and dea as well as my mother and three others who's deaths are used in the accidental overdose war on people who are battling pain.we all tried not to take opiates and its ridiculous to assume because you don't need them you have the right to judge or try to control our choices we've made to continue a life with meaning.pain patients don't usually leave a suicide note for numerous reasons.They have been dealing with fighting pain.my drs will say you must be depressed.I always correct them.no im not.I'm in pain When my pain is controlled and i can lead a fuller life im fine.WE still struggle but as long as we have drs allowing us to make decisions about our own pain needs we can and will fight.but you can't expect us to live in a bed.our families lives are put on hold waiting for us to get help and for those of us who have responsibilities to people and finances we deal with guilt at the effect of lack of pain control has on those around us.don't tell us to be sttong and suicide isn't the answer.we aren't stupid.you sitting there in little to no pain don't help by saying these ridiculous things to us.the answer is to give us the right to make our own informed decision about our own health.we made.a decision to have quality of life over quantity of life long ago.how dare anyone take our right to choose away.my pain is my own.you have no right to judge or control.my life.but you feel .as if you have the moral right to give us the only choice you leave us.suicide by your judgment and you are handing out death sentences and claiming accidental overdose.a chronic pain patient isn't accidentally overdosing.we are forced to kill ourselves.if you don't take opiates for chronic pain you have zero right to offer your opinion on what we should do or set policy about us.only PAIN patients have the right to steer their own destiny but you take it away and it's tantamount to murder your covering up to cover your collective a++#s.because you do not care.we are disposable and we are watching a Hitler type genocide of citizens deemed unworthy to live.They are training and manipulating the citizens into false propaganda.we are addicts We are accidentally overdosing.it's a lie.it's a human rights violation and we have to stand up.we are being taught to be quiet or risk being called an addict.my daughter and mom were scared to ask forREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 31st, 2014Someone from Darby, PA writes:
I have rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, chronic pain syndrome, neuropathy, herniated discs, and migraines I'm a victim of patient profiling and can't get any medical attention even with these multiple diagnosisREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 31st, 2014Someone from Wichita, KS writes:
Under pain And taking 2 medications with a pain contract for multiple cervical and lumbar disc bulges. Can't switch drs because no one else will take me because been established with current Dr ling term. But he doesn't take insurance so it's hundreds of dollars every month just to get written script then have to pay for meds and been off work 3 years? Now he has been flagged I guess and pharmacy won't fill and pcp and others have no options for me and no one will take me in to even wean off. Dilaudid has nasty and possibly life threatening withdrawal symptoms and I can only imagine what is going to come in the next couple days.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 31st, 2014Someone from Saint Augustine, FL signed.
Dec 31st, 2014Someone from Williams, CA signed.
Dec 31st, 2014Someone from Muskegon, MI signed.
Dec 30th, 2014Someone from Georgetown, IN signed.
Dec 30th, 2014Someone from Chardon, OH writes:
I my self I'm suffering from severe hemriod pain been thru a couple surgies and have chronic pain that's is crippling my lifeI lost one job over the pain and can barley walk becuz most docs no so little about hemriod they will not give pain meds becuz of their fear of the fed system is what I was just told by a doctor still in crippling pain and have to wait becuz of holidays too get into painmang these strict laws are killing people and distressing the country and who ever thinks I'm not in pain I realy hope this happens too youREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 30th, 2014Someone from Merrick, NY writes:
Lung cancer left upper lobe removed, Diabetes II,aortic aneurysm, left iliac aneurysm w stent, post op pain from both took me near 2 years too walk right again after sent op, emphysema, copd, psoriasis and arthritis from teen 57 now, also need 2 knees replace receiving shot there, was on pain medications got violated as they where not showing up in 2013 turn out the standard UTD test does NOT show oxycontin or oxycodone in a lot of people. The test need is very expensive and rarely given. I fought back won got reinstated but the violation still follows me too this day. Another test in feb 2014 got lost in Dr clinic comes back after 7 more day then sent in turns up all sorts of medications i do not take but my dr violates me again. Here i am 6 month down the road and no way to fight this over and over again. To make matter worse my significant other of 32 years had CML leukemia and now they are messing with her. Where did this country go to. When i was in the hospital on Long Island Ny (North Shore) during my lung operation i was under-medicated the whole time was to be 1 week in turned in too 6 weeks of hell. In the room next to me was a women screaming..i asked the nurse "cant you help her" and the reply was "we cant give her any more pain medications shes dying any minute and she at the max". What I said "Max what shes dying help her!..No reply but few more hours it was silent and the family crying pass my door I laid there knowing that I was hurting really really bad too a but I knew that something was really wrong with what happened and now i know that some time someplace i would be the one in the dying bed screaming in pain for the end too come cause they could not give me any thing too help. Thats Very scary. One day you may face that we cant give you any thing or any more. Fight back now! While you can.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 30th, 2014Someone from San Marcos, CA writes:
The DEA needs to back off...I have been a chronic pain patient for 12 years... car accident, 4 back surgeries ........I have taken same amount of methadone for chronic pain for little over 5 years now and because of this I can have somewhat of a normal life. Now that is in jeopardy thanks to the DEA getting into my pain docs. prescribing. He is very careful always does full examination, documents everything and gives random UA'S. Still the DEA is giving him hard time. Obviously as the baby boom generation ages there is going to be an increase of pain patients as they age and have increase risk of suffering from debilitating dieses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis...... Additionally when an older person is injured in an accident the prognosis for complete I.e. pain free recovery is less likely vs. someone in their twenties. Does the DEA even consider this? Why are they surprised by an increase of pain killer consumption with an aging population? Dumb people are always going to find a way to kill themselves, legal narcotics or street drugs. Okay go after the pill mill Dr's but leave the good Dr's and patients alone. We already have enough pain....Is not the government's job to dictate anything regarding my choice to take painkillers or not. I bet Washington and Jefferson are rolling over in there graves about this all invasive federal government.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 30th, 2014Someone from Monroe, GA writes:
I've had chronic pain for 20 years. The Drs use to be helpful. They understood that after a few years the meds wouldn't work. They would change it for a few years. At this point my pain is worse than ever, I've been taking the same dose for over 6 years. They won't change it or up the dose or add something to it which was recommended by my most recent trip to a neurosurgeon. I'm a recluse, quality of life is no good. I leave here once a month to go get what they will give me. So sad.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 30th, 2014Someone from Loganville, GA signed.
Dec 30th, 2014Someone from Byron, IL writes:
It is so important for people to be treated for their pain. Chronic pain is real, and these medications were created for a reason -- to help those who are suffering.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 30th, 2014Someone from Hemet, CA writes:
Nearly 60% disabled. I had function on Norco. Some assemblance of a life. In order to stay on the only medication that worked for me, I'd have to drive 90 min round trip to spine center and pay for visit every month ($68) along with prescription. I pay cash. This law would force me to incur a new high Bill every 30 days that I cannot afford and am stuck with Tylenol 4 which does not work nor was meant too for the injuries I sustained. I am now unable to have my once functional life because you're trying.g to control people. You cannot. You can't control alcoholics, or gambling addicts by burning down casinos. Saying you ruined my life is not being dramatic. I HAD life. I even worked part time. Now I hug walls to get from room to room again. Haven't had to do that since 2008. I'd slap someone if they suggested "borrowing" the money from friends or family. My cost went from a couple hundred per year (was on maintenance) to THOUSANDS. How DARE people come on here and praise these people. How DARE you. I have a lifetime of legitimate access and I simply can't afford it. How's THAT for helping DEA? God, I hate you people.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 29th, 2014Someone from Gainesville, FL writes:
It is about time that the ADA intervenes in this ongoing war not against illegal drugs but against legitimate medical patients suffering debilitating pain without the benefit of a powerful voice or lobby in Washington. It is legalized genocide of the disenfranchised, the elderly, the ill. People are being left with no options. Increases in suicide rates in this population is directly proportional to the 'war on drugs' that's secondary effects have resulted in thousands of people in debilitating pain being unable to obtain prescriptions for pain medication or to fill pain medications once prescriptions are received. I have been targeted by ignorant physicians in the ER, ignorant pharmacists, ignorant nurses and ancillary providers. It is outrageous that there are ever times that a patient with a legitimate prescription is forced to drive hundreds of miles, visiting dozens of pharmacies over weeks to get a prescription filled. It is heartless and contrary to all components of compassionate care.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 29th, 2014Someone from Morgantown, KY writes:
So inhuman stopping meds with less side effects and dangers to make people try antidepressants and new drugs with more dangers and side effects. Especially when you aren't depressed, antidepressants cause depression and suicides let alone the coma they put most in. What kind of "Quality of Life" is that?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 29th, 2014Someone from Lake Placid, FL signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from Grove City, OH signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from Lecanto, FL signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from Riverview, FL signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from Jacksonville, FL signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from New Albany, IN writes:
The DEA's policies are causing its registrants to violate the Americans with Disability Act.. They made public statements about not interfering with pts getting their medications and tell their registrants policies that does just the opposite. Addiction/abuse of opiates is a DISEASE not a CRIME. per medical science. The war on drugs was started with The Harrison Narcotic Act which was based on racism and bigotry.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 29th, 2014Someone from Arlington, TX signed.
Dec 29th, 2014Someone from Arlington, TX writes:
I suffer from a Botched back surgery, that created so much scar tissue and nerve damage. My pain is at a level 8, for 14 years now. I had n Intrathecal Pump put in, which is regulated by my Pain Management Doctor. every 7 years it has to be replaced.I had one replaced and I contracted an Infectious Disease; Clostridium difficile colitis, from that surgery center. It made the pain I was in already, so unbearable. So that now comes back every now and then and I am at a level 10 of pain, which is hospitalization. But now it is not the full out C-diff, so I may get a shot and get kicked loose just as the shot is wearing off and I am back in pain....Well I found a good Pain Management doctor who would turn my Intrathecal Pump up, until today December 29,2014. Also I needed Ativan for RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), and I had gotten some in the past until today. he told me what took place 6 days ago in regards to the DEA and that I would now have to see a Neurologist. RLS can be very painful and debilitating. I have not had sleep in six days because of the excruciating pain and the RLS, when I would fall asleep the RLS would wake me up. Takes months to get into see a Neurologist. RLS rarely happens with me, and all I need is a few days worth of Ativan. In 14 years I needed Ativan 3 times. When there is proof of patients with Chronic Severe Pain or Pain, this should not be allowed, and in the 14 years I have been going through this, it was slowly getting worst. This has to stop. Reading about Suicide and thinking about it should not even be a thought, but pain is that bad. We so need a MIRACLE! This is purely EVIL indeed... People putting Patients and Doctors through this cruelty should suffer themselves, as to know what they have done to us who live in an already very debilitating and excruciating pain we should not have too. If you know someone who suffers or doctors who are scared to help, please sign this petition.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 29th, 2014Someone from Tracy, CA writes:
My mother has end stage kidney disease, and goes to dialysis 3x a week. She has an implants vien that causes her extreme pain every time the clinic stocks her with the needle to filter her blood. Her bones/muscles are painful due to lack of potassium. Her doctor refused to give her anymore norco after the new law got passed. He wouldn't even give her tylenol 3. She almost died, and probably does not have much time left so why should she live the rest of her life in pain? Pharmasist who work at drug stores that are less educated, on a lesser wage should not harass aND govern a doctor's decisions to help people. I agree it is like the abortion issue. More deaths will occur, and drug lords will be richer. Wake up America!REPORT COMMENTS
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