First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
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Dec 22nd, 2014Someone from Waxahachie, TX writes:
I have recently been released from the hospital, after having a serious motorcycle accident my leg was reattached, I've been home for two weeks now. I have called numerous pain management offices. I have yet to find one that will help me. I'm out of medication I am in pain. I'm asking, make it easier for these drs. To Prescribe These meds. I need. -
Dec 22nd, 2014Someone from Noblesville, IN writes:
DEA-Goverment obviously does not care one bit that it's citizens are suffering. Truly disgraceful. Future is looking bleak.REPORT COMMENTS
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Dec 22nd, 2014Someone from Noblesville, IN signed.
Dec 22nd, 2014Someone from Bridgeport, WV writes:
I am so angry right now I cannot see through my tears. It is 5:49 a.m. on my day off and I have been up since 4 and it is my day off ! I hurt so bad I would have to die to feel better. I am 54 and suffer from chronic pain. I am in WV. The DEA needs shut down. I am an American and the quality of my life matters, to me at least.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Ferndale, MI writes:
It's time for our government to end it's war on our own citizens.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Cincinnati, OH writes:
For four months, I have suffered in terrible pain. I was in an automobile accident that was not my fault which resulted in a herniated disc in my lower back. I have constant pain in my lower back and down the back and sides of my left leg. I have been to a Pain Management that gave me nerve block shots that hurt me more than helped and sent me home with one 5mg perc a day, been to ER and Urgent Care 4 times and every doctor tells me they can't help me with my pain as "The Stat of Ohio has there hands tied". What can I do? I fear I may end up committing suicide if I am unable to find surgery or pain medicine soon. I can't continue to live like this in so much pain constantly.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Quinlan, TX signed.
Dec 21st, 2014Someone from Stayton, OR writes:
I am 73 and suffer arthritis pain every day. I can't understand the reasoning behind making it so difficult for my doctor to just prescribe some simple pain medication. At my age, this will not get better, only worse. My doctor is sympathetic, yet the rules set down by the DEA would have me driving fifty miles every month to go to her office in order to refill a 30 day prescription. At my age, heading into winter, living in the rural foothills of the Cascade Mountains that will not be an option. She tells me that it's because "people" abuse the medication. People "abuse" alcohol as well, but they can buy that on every corner. All I can say is, thank God our state has legalized marihuana.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Westfield, MA writes:
help someone' had a bad accident crushed L3 MRI show all that is wrong after repairs 6 years later they are cutting me off pain meds that work my pain is intense and real what can i do i want these lawmakers to live with half my pain help someone please im hurting need help tell me there is a way to get my pain medsREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Chandler, AZ writes:
First off, my wife is suffering from stage 4 cancer. She is unable to work and the new laws set in place and demonizing of her pain meds is very hard to deal with. All you lawmakers who think you're so clever by signing the bill into effect I hope you all die slow painful deaths without aid of any pain meds. And **** the dea! Too scared to attack the drug cartels anymore? War on drugs is a waste of money and manpower.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Yakima, WA signed.
Dec 21st, 2014Someone from Pittsburgh, PA signed.
Dec 21st, 2014Someone from Medina, OH writes:
My daughter suffers from Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) which leaves her pretty much unresponsive from the waist down. Because her spinal cord was crushed she lives with a great deal of pain both nerve and muscle. To begin with she would not be in this condition if when she first went to emergency she was treated for her symptoms instead of someone looking for pain medication. Instead she was left for 16 hours while the disc ruptured and crushed her spinal cord. This happened in 2006. She has been able to manage the pain up until this new legislation. Now she is looked at even more so as someone just wanting pills. Recently we moved to Ohio and she has had to find a new doctor. She was referred to a ?pain management clinic?. She was sent away on the first visit because she did not as yet have an Ohio driver?s license. When we arrived the second time we saw that the facility itself was dirty with ripped furniture in the waiting room. She first was interrogated by a very uncaring woman. When we finally met with the ?doctor? he looked at her as though she was just another addict wanting drugs. He went on and on about the new rules set down by the state of Ohio some of which I do not believe exist. He explained to her that he had to exhaust all other types of pain management before she could be given any narcotics. She told him that she had done all of that in Florida. He said that she should have brought her records with her and that he could do nothing until she did. She asked why she wasn't told that when she made the appointment. He said that was her responsibility to know that. Even then he would have to try all other treatments first which included a morphine pump and injections into the spine. Now there are two visits that are being billed to her insurance with absolutely no outcome. It is very evident that these clinics are there to make money by billing insurance for all of these experiments. I would like to see what they bill for a TENS unit, morphine pump, nerve blocker, nerve burn, or their many other experiments. Does this make sense that they would prescribe a morphine pump, she wants to be able to function not be a zombie. They do not want to prescribe pain pills because there is no money in it. They have turned this legislation into a money making machine at the expense of patients that need their help in maintaining some sort of normalness to their lives. I recall when my mother was on her deathbed and they would not give her narcotics to relieve the pain because she might become addicted, how insane is that. It is time you legislators take a good look at the results of this legislation and stop this madness. It is also time for doctors to stop looking at everyone that comes in with serious pain issues as though they are drug addicts.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 21st, 2014Someone from Terlingua, TX writes:
I am young. I am disabled. I am in pain. I am an American. I deserve relief from my pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 20th, 2014Someone from Amarillo, TX writes:
To the any person(s) concerned: I believe millions of chronic pain patients would be willing to contribute, monetarily, what we could to retain a law firm to begin the process of a class action lawsuit against the DEA, FDA, HHS or the govt entity in charge of these people making these decisions that hinder the lives of millions upon millions of people. Come on, they only received 573 letters/comments and their decision was weighted by these few comments which, I believe, 57% were FOR the rescheduling; what is that less than 300 people's comments? And that was enough for them. What a JOKE; these folks are part of the US Govt. and that is SCARY. I just wouldn't not where to start or who to contact, but I would contribute as I believe many would also. Just a thought.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 20th, 2014Someone from Arlington, TX signed.
Dec 20th, 2014Someone from Westville, IN writes:
End the pain for the people that need there pain killers. Make stricter laws against abusers ,dealers not the rest of us. Reschedule hydrocodone back to a 3. It works for so many of us. Quit being cruel to all of us honest Americans that need this to live a good life.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 20th, 2014Someone from Indianapolis, IN signed.
Dec 19th, 2014Someone from Smyrna, TN writes:
it is in- humane that legitimate pain patients have to suffer be cause the sea can't come up with an effective way to continue their war on drugs. Actually I won't be surprised to find special interest groups behind this. This problem needs to be dealt with without causing needless suffering.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 19th, 2014Someone from Bellflower, CA signed.
Dec 19th, 2014Someone from Lady Lake, FL signed.
Dec 19th, 2014Someone from Medina, OH signed.
Dec 19th, 2014Someone from Salem, OR writes:
My back pain is so debilitating that with out pain meds I remain in bed unable to participate in any physical activities and de conditioning of my entire body occurs. I need help to get past the pain of a failed back surgery complicated by psoriatic arthritis. I have started to be active with the help of low dose methadone and even with it I have to stop and rest lying down frequentlyREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 19th, 2014Someone from Trenton, MI writes:
This is purely a witch hunt. 4 back surgerys for me, my doctors office today basically told us who were going there just for pain meds that we were all done there because there not a pain management office, thank GOD the doctor has another office that does and he is taking us with him. It will be 60 miles farther, another undue stress on my back. Without meds, i wont be able to do the small home business i started since i cannot work a actual outside job any longer. The lovely DEA will take my income, and probably my life. I cannot live in that pain, i have no insurance, i did win lifetime medical benifits from AAA auto in a lawsuit, and this wonderful Govenor of Michigan snyder "the deeck" made a fantastic law that even if you win lifetime benifits in court, within a few months the insurance company or work comp company can send you to THERE scamming paid doctors, and say your fine, then cut your benifits off. Here in Michigan the ONLY no fault auto state left we pay the highest auto premiums because of these lifetime medical benifits, and now 98% of the people getting them are being cut off. You cant appeal, you have to start ALL over suing them and no lawyer will pony up $10,000 for a jury trial. So, between that, and the absolute witch hunt of people in chronic pain, here in Michigan, we are really screwed. So, everyone, it has to be class action time, we HAVE to do something. This is discrimination of people in chronic pain. I don't give a DAMN when i am told "but there is so much abuse of these drugs" i tell those people i dont give a Sh**t about them, i only care about us legitimate people, and there is a HUGE amount of us, and we MUST do something NOW. Everyone, call this LAWYER, Geoffrey Fieger in Soutfield mi, i am calling him tomorrow, i am going to try and convince him into taking us on, he is famous and notorious for going after big companys, why not the DEA? So, join me, i am going to do something about this, today was the first day of my decision. To hell with the DEA and there discrimination! I want to live my life in a tolerable way! Contact Info. Fieger Law; 19390 W 10 Mile Rd; Southfield, MI 48075; Phone: (248) 355-5555REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 19th, 2014Someone from Trenton, MI writes:
This is purely a witch hunt. 4 back surgerys for me, my doctors office today basically told us who were going there just for pain meds that we were all done there because there not a pain management office, thank GOD the doctor has another office that does and he is taking us with him. It will be 60 miles farther, another undue stress on my back. Without meds, i wont be able to do the small home business i started since i cannot work a actual outside job any longer. The lovely DEA will take my income, and probably my life. I cannot live in that pain, i have no insurance, i did win lifetime medical benifits from AAA auto in a lawsuit, and this wonderful Govenor of Michigan snyder "the deeck" made a fantastic law that even if you win lifetime benifits in court, within a few months the insurance company or work comp company can send you to THERE scamming paid doctors, and say your fine, then cut your benifits off. Here in Michigan the ONLY no fault auto state left we pay the highest auto premiums because of these lifetime medical benifits, and now 98% of the people getting them are being cut off. You cant appeal, you have to start ALL over suing them and no lawyer will pony up $10,000 for a jury trial. So, between that, and the absolute witch hunt of people in chronic pain, here in Michigan, we are really screwed. So, everyone, it has to be class action time, we HAVE to do something. This is discrimination of people in chronic pain. I don't give a DAMN when i am told "but there is so much abuse of these drugs" i tell those people i dont give a Sh**t about them, i only care about us legitimate people, and there is a HUGE amount of us, and we MUST do something NOW. Everyone, call this LAWYER, Geoffrey Fieger in Soutfield mi, i am calling him tomorrow, i am going to try and convince him into taking us on, he is famous and notorious for going after big companys, why not the DEA? So, join me, i am going to do something about this, today was the first day of my decision. To hell with the DEA and there discrimination! I want to live my life in a tolerable way!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 19th, 2014Someone from Trenton, MI signed.
Dec 18th, 2014Someone from Sugar Land, TX signed.
Dec 18th, 2014Someone from Everett, WA signed.
Dec 18th, 2014Someone from Carmichael, CA writes:
I am afraid our complaints and issues are all falling on deaf ears. When the DEA makes a ruling I have never heard of it being reversed. Look at the pseudofed rule....how ridiculous was that ? Did that really stop or slow down meth labs? NO, and that was illegal behavior, yet, we are all treated like a potential meth lab in the making. The government now sees us all as potential drug dealers, handing out our pain medications to our family and friends. This is how they see us, like it or not! The FDA and DEA did this for other reasons. This was something they had been cooking up for a long time....profit motive? maybe. Who knows. The government isn't going to tell the public. This was a self-perpetuating move, providing more reasons for the DEA to exist, that is all. They care more about their own budget than whether you or I can get what we need to control pathological pain. The DEA says it has not changed anything, right? Wrong! Now, pharmacies can only purchase small amounts of HCP's under the Sch. II designation. Before, pharmacies could order much more of the drug to fill prescriptions for the public needs under Sch. III. The funnel has been narrowed greatly as far as access to pain medications. Why was Ultram made a schedule IV drug? Not because it is addictive or being diverted, but so it can be substituted for HCP's, and that is all. Ultram is not even a real opiate, like morphine or codeine, and its abuse potential is not on the same level as any of the opiates. It is all a trumped up scam on the public. The FDA works in collusion with the DEA and pharmaceutical industry on this. There is something else behind it. Maybe its the approval of a new drug(s)! Maybe its the need to prosecute and incarcerate more of the public or fine more of the public to swell the already bloated coffers of the state, local, or federal caches. Whatever the reason, it is not legitimate. That is for sure. We may never know the full truth. The compassionate movement to help treat people in pain and discomfort will probably have to move underground. What other options are there? I don't blame M.D.'s for being wary of the govt. on this. They could be prosecuted for treating somebody's pain. This is plain and simple. The DEA and FDA says nothing else has changed.....what a lie! By the way, our DEA has influence in other countries, as well. What our government does sways other governments, too. Don't think it does not. The DEA has its fingers in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Don't bet that it doesn't. Self perpetuating just like our pentagon and military industrial complex. Start wars to keep the budget bloated. Feed fears and skew statistics to keep people dumbed downREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 18th, 2014Someone from Schwenksville, PA writes:
I have severely deformed knees and take Vicodin for the pain. So now the FDA is going to lump me in with all the drug addicts?! Nice going FDA you are all a bunch of idiots!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 18th, 2014Someone from Westlake, OH signed.
Dec 17th, 2014Someone from Winter Haven, FL writes:
If something happens to him because he cannot get this prescribed medication filled because of your "agency" interfering with his civil rights - you will be held accountable.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 17th, 2014Someone from Amarillo, TX writes:
None of this would have happened had the FDA, DEA and HHS advertised as much BEFORE the rescheduling as they have AFTER. NOW, it seems every 3-4 days you read an article about how evil HCPs are; What part of the country takes more HCP, the NFL was visited by DEA to assess HCP abuse, HCP abuse among hardcore drug users, etc, etc. Now, if the powers that be are satisfied with the 573 comments/letters it received during the minimally publicized opened comments period so be it. How many average Americans suffering from chronic pain have heard of the Federal Registry? I had never known such a thing existed until this came about. Maybe because my concerns and worries were geared more toward surviving paycheck to paycheck in this economy. I was worried about whether or not I would be able to afford my pain medications; should I forego the electric bill this month to get my prescriptions? should I cut back on my blood pressure medicine to make it last an extra month so I can get my pain medications? One thing about our current govt is that it starts up committee after committee, panel after panel, agency after agency...all in a concerted effort to confuse the American people. And they have succeeded. So many committees and not enough OR no oversight because all politicians are on some type of committee or ten of them; no one has time for oversight. Some groups or committees are necessary, like the group that received funding just last week to study cow flatulence others, not so much, like the agency that has led a failed war on drugs; marijuana is legal in some form or fashion in all but a few states; yet it's still classified as illegal under federal law. This agency has gone from a failed drug war to practicing medicine; one extreme to the other. Alas, jack of all trades, master of NONE. REPEAL this atrocity of HCP rescheduling and ask for a public vote and let the American people have a voice in their healthcare, lest you are a dictatorship; my way or the highway! I could careless about who OD's by MIXING medications due to their stupidity; they asked for and met their fate. NOT MY FAULT, DONT PUNISH ME by taking away my only hope for alleviating pain to some degree that I can function in society. Many docs just quit dealing with HCPs due to the extensive, burdensome requirements set forth by the govt that it's an injustice to people who REALLY have need for them. "With all these new restrictions and requirements, It's just not worth it anymore", my doctor told me when he, cold turkey, cut me off hydrocodone. God Bless Us.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 17th, 2014Someone from Ruston, LA writes:
I contemplated suicide 3 times last week. I am being forced off my hydrocodone that I take ONCE a day (at bedtime) for osteomalacia and rheumatoid arthritis. Each of these conditions have been verified by BLOOD TESTS. I was transferred to a pain management doc whose 1st suggestion is for me to move to a FENTANYL PATCH! I went home to read about what that entails & learned quickly that I do NOT want Fentanyl in my life!!! I am sick and filled with grief from the deep aching pain of bone pain. During the day I am in pain, but I have learned compensatory strategies for reducing the pain. On some days I accidentally burn my hands because sticking them under hot running water is a GIGANTIC relief, but eventually it does numb them I think. Anyway, I am BEGGING BEGGING BEGGING the DHHS Burwell to step in and save us. She has ULTIMATE authority over scheduling. She CAN ORDER a reschedule back to III if she wants. I think we need a petition to her as well. We must do something people. All of this is coming from the Muslim influence of the current President and DEA director. You cannot get a doctor anywhere in the middle east to prescribe an opiate for pain. Their response? "It is TOXIC." even Tramadol is described as toxic. When a patient has surgery they are given one day of IV Toradol and then a preacher prays for them HAHAH I promise. Do some checking and see if I tell the truth. Anyway...GET THE MUSLIM OUT OF THE WHITEHOUSE and then start a campaign against the Director of HHS Dr. Burwell.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 16th, 2014Someone from Irvine, CA signed.
Dec 16th, 2014Someone from Marianna, FL signed.
Dec 16th, 2014Someone from Huntington Beach, CA writes:
My Pain Management Doctor told me a year ago that Kaiser would no longer cover my long lasting Pain Meds. He lied, then he told me about the new FDA safe prescribing guidelines and said that even though I have been on the same dosage of meds for 6 years I needed to be cut down to a fraction of what I have been taking. My primary care doctor started cutting my meds by one tablet a month until I could not tolerate the pain. I asked if I could have a while longer to adjust to the new dosage and get through the busiest time of the year at my job and he did but now he is going back to cutting my meds by one tablet a month. When I asked my Pain Doctor what would happen if my pain treatment was not effective and I got to the point where I can't take the pain and he said I should get another insurance. my insurance is through my work and is already too expensive and if I try the affordable care coverage it is twice as much. Please repeal these unfair and cruel laws and guidelines and stop using scare tactics on doctors trying to treat real pain patients.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelDec 16th, 2014Someone from Riddle, OR signed.
Dec 16th, 2014Someone from Denver, CO writes:
I have had chronic pain for 11 years. This last year, since joining a HMO, I have had horrible problems with doctors who don't want to prescribe opiates. Also, the first doctor I went to wrote libelous statements, false and distorted statements in my medical record and stated my pain was largely psychological. He even misdiagnosed me so he could try and get me off my meds. Other HCP will look at my chart and will read this dribble. So, not only are doctors tRYing to take their patients off of pain meds: some of them are defaming their character, making up lies about them and it's all in your medical record. This is not only unethical but probably illegal as well. So, when it comes down to it; who is more important: the doctor or the patient. The strong vs the weak. We as patients with chron ic severe pain know the answer to that. We are actually being discriminated against. The right to pain control is a HUMAN RIGHT AND our human rights are being denied. These doctors who write lies in their records about chronic pain patients are ruining our lives. We could end up with NOTHING FOR PAIN. Some of us will suffer so much that we may want to take our own lifes. Is this really a democracy?REPORT COMMENTS
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