First Do No Harm: The DEA targets Physicians who treat their patients pain.
Public Comments (15,444)
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Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Bradenton, FL writes:
It doesn't seem to matter if I am a functioning contributor to society or laid up in bed in a fetal position. NO ONE CARES. I shouldn't have to explain my medical history and why I am prescribed a controlled substance. I have a right to privacy. I understand if a pharmacist wants to verify the prescription is a legitimate. My problem is when I have for years,been receiving the same medication from the same doctor for the same amount and filling it at the same pharmacy. I have been told on many occasions prior the the 14th of this month, they were out of the medication and it would be a day or 2 before there order would arrive. Now, because my Doctor is not in the county I live in they will no longer be able to fill it. There is a reason I see the same Dr. I have been seeing. Continuity of care and trust are integral components that allow me to seek treatment, where otherwise I would go untreated. Walmart?s Regional pharmacy manager has enacted a new policy and pharmacist has to obey his boss. He said the DEA is holding back their deliveries and everyone in under scrutiny. The DEA is having way too much input in a matter that is between me and my Licensed Medical Doctor, that is in good standing, with no sanctions, who was recommended to me by my insurance company. In my opinion, this is not a good sign for where our county is heading, I don't know what is going on but I can guarantee the reason involves: 1) GREED or 2) POWER or 1 and 2. How do wealthy and powerful people, agencies and governments get wealthier and more powerful? The answer is, they take it from the most vulnerable, the poorest, sickest, the least likely to have the capacity or resources to fight back. I might have to suffer in pain and despair, but at some point someone will be accountable. -
Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Bradenton, FL writes:
It doesn't seem to matter if I am a functioning contributor to society or laid up in bed in a fetal position. NO ONE CARES. I shouldn't have to explain my medical history and why I am prescribed a controlled substance. I have a right to privacy. I understand if a pharmacist wants to verify the prescription is a legitimate. My problem is when I have for years,been receiving the same medication from the same doctor for the same amount and filling it a the same pharmacy. I have been told on many occasions prior the the 14th of this month, they were out of the medication and it would be a day or 2 before there order would arrive. Now because my Doctor is not in the county I live in they will no longer be able to fill it. Walmart's Regional pharmacy manager has enacted that new policy and pharmacist has to obey his boss. He said the DEA is holding back their deliveries and everyone in under scrutiny. The DEA is having way too much input in a matter that is between me and my Licensed Medical Doctor that is in good standing with no sanctions who was recommended to me by my insurance company. In my opinion, this is not a good sign for where our county is heading, I don't know what is going on but I can guarantee the reason involves 1) GREED or 2) POWER or 1 and 2. How do wealthy and powerful people, agencies , governments get wealthier and more powerful? The answer is, they take it from the most vulnerable, the poorest, sickest, the least likely to have the capacity or resources to fight back. I might have to suffer in pain and despair , but at some point someone will be accountable.REPORT COMMENTS
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Oct 16th, 2014Someone from San Diego, CA writes:
These constant attacks and discrimination against people who have hour by hour daily struggle of dealing with chronic pain are shameful and show the ingorance of many in the medical community; whom stand upon their morally self-rightous soap boxes shaming many of us who have no alternative for pain control. I have painful chronic arthritis that mostly was brought on by the chemo therapy "cure" for my breast cancer which also brought on early menopause at the grand old age of 37. That was the beginning of my nightmare. Thank you medical community for throwing me to the wolves! And just a ps to the medical scoffers, I have a severe allergy to NSAIDs that has been documented twice in the emergency room and have no other options for pain relief than tylonal and codene which I now have to walk the mile of shame before medical & pharmacy staff to ask for refills. Until the medical "providerss recieve any $$$$ kick-back from the insurance company's for -"insert your ailment here"- patients, I don't think they will ever give a golly gosh darn about any of us. It is all about prestige and the paycheck.REPORT COMMENTS
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Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Greensboro, NC writes:
I am a chronic pain sufferer due to Cervical Degenerative Disks. I need medication to be able to work long hours just to survive and pay my bills. It is a fight just to get my medicine refilled every two weeks. My Pain Management Doctor is already talking about not refilling my prescription when I have tried other methods such as Physical Therapy and soon will be trying injections. I feel like I am treating as a "junkie" because I suffer from chronic pain.REPORT COMMENTS
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Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Largo, FL signed.
Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Carmichael, CA writes:
I now see where this could be going. There is a call by some to have all opiates removed from the DEA list of legal drugs. If this happens there will be an outcry like this government has never seen and there will be a surge in underground and illegal use like this government has never seen. This would all come about because of a lack of commons sense on the part of our government, including the knee jerk response of moving certain drugs to a higher classification and making it mush more difficult to obtain them legally by a responsible physician. I feel for the people who have lost loved ones to overdose, accidental or not. But, that is not a good reason to make it harder for the people who use the drug(s) for legitimate pain control. I am sorry, but the needs of millions of sufferers out ways the needs of the few who have lost there lives to OD. This is not insensitive. Nobody is crying for the removal of guns, booze, or cigarettes! These things kill people at a rate that far outstrips prescription drug ODs. Nobody wants to talk about the removal of these things because the special lobby behind each one is so powerful and so, holds legitimacy because of that! Who speaks for the individuals who are in chronic pain? Apparently, nobody! Nobody in power, that is.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 16th, 2014Someone from Pompano Beach, FL signed.
Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Shreveport, LA signed.
Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Ridgeley, WV signed.
Oct 16th, 2014Someone from Denver, CO writes:
This injury that happened at work while I was trying to be a hard working citizen, has ruined my life! I had a horrible horrible childhood to start out though so luckily I'm used to being a struggling survivor! I've been on my own since age 15, hurt my back at work when I was 21 years old & training to be in fitness competitions! I went through 4 years of horrendous physical therapy 4 days a week as they did their best to injure me more while treating me like a crack head never giving me anything that remotely eased the pain and refused to do an MRI. So I got 2 MRI's out of pocket, a lawyer & almost immediately after a pretty large settlement. I picked my own Doctor whom I had for 9 years after & only took 1 thing the minimal dose of vicodin or percocet. THAT'S IT! 120 a month if I needed that many. After the 1st 3 years I tapered myself off to the point of 800mg IB Prophin which I thought was safer cuz pain pills are the devil right? WRONG! After a meek 2 years I had taken so much IB Prophin I developed a stomach a whole stomach that's outlined with an ulcer. Threw up black coffee grounds & blood for months until I quit taking them, changed my entire diet etc. I thought that was the turning point for the better...what's a little stomach problem next to real pain? During that 9 years I continued working, got married, had 2 children & when I was Pregnant it came back & got me twice as hard, to catch up? I'm now 38, divorced I've lost everything, YES EVERYTHING from this injury! My life, my kids, my license, my apartment, my truck, my heart, my pride EVERYTHING! And all cuz I still to this day look like a pill popper! My ex husband used my injury to get an emergency protection order against me with lies of my sleeping all day making my daughter cook the meals etc. BULL! I STILL never sleep! I have documented proof of EVERY allegation being a lie yet I can't seem to get help when he makes 80 grand + & I've not a dollar to my name! I've called over 300 lawyers, state professionals, THE PRESIDENT & I'm in the same place I started. I just don't know anyone! So I'd be more than HAPPY to sign any petition or do ANYTHING to help it to where not 1 more person has to go through this just so some DUMB A@$ doesn't over dose! I was THE NICEST well mannered human being you'd have ever had the pleasure of meeting since I did have a ruff start in life I taught myself to appreciate life and people instead of shoving a needle in my arm like my mother, I decided that at age 13! I lived with a smile on my face whether I was happy or not and LIVED by the rule of do unto others as you'd have do unto you. But now? In 1 year I'm nothing but an empty corpse so sorry if my manners slipped my mind when writing this. You all have no idea what you've taken from so many people. Probably never will...sad. P.S. I'm a GREAT MOTHER to bad I never had a chance at proving it to the only people that matter, my kids. Thanks world, thanks. STACY MARIE SCHREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Lonsdale, AR writes:
Please re-evaluate the way patients with chronic pain are diagnosed and treated. There are those that are truly in lifelong pain and require medications in order to have any quality of life, some require medications to simply get out of bed and dressed.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Hilton, NY writes:
This has got to stop..where does it end? With every chronic pain patient laying in their beds wanting to die from the pain they're in? We are not all druggies...we are not all dealers...we are not all doctor shopping...there are those of us that are genuinely in need of these medications to have even the most basic capabilities in life...my pain is unbearable WITH my meds...I can't begin to imagine a life without them...this has got to stop..stop treating us all like we are at fault...there has GOT to be a better way...for years we have been told how dangerous it is to just cold turkey stop these meds, and now you're making it so difficult for the drs to prescribe to us that we are just being cut off and forced to be sick? Why? Just because we need a pill to walk? I'd LOVE to walk, and cook, and get dressed, and LIVE MY LIFE without pain meds! I'd LOVE to be like you..but I'm not...don't punish me for it...where do you draw the line? As one of the other commenters said..you think we have a drug problem now? Just you wait and see how bad it gets when so many are suffering needlessly...then you'll see how bad it can really get!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from De Leon Springs, FL writes:
I don't want to stay wasted to just treat my pain, I want my life back!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Cave City, AR signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Lake City, FL writes:
Well stated, but the greedy pill mill Dr.'s and dealers has messed it up for people truly in pain. Pharmacies are at their Quota, meaning even if you get a script, chances are if you are a new patient, you will not be able to get it filled. It really happens!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Allegan, MI writes:
If this was done by a parent, the child would be removed from the home. The parents would then have to meet unconsionable requirements, just to prove we have the right to said children. Ahhh...I remember getting whipped, heck I remember picking the switch...... Simple rules, don't lie, steal, ask before borrowing, tell the truth, cause it is easier to remember. You know...being AMERICAN!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Augusta, GA writes:
i had chronic pain for sometime every pain management dr. i go turn me away i have xrays to show my codition.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Jeffersonville, IN writes:
I am a sufferer of chronic pain. Without my pain medications (and ANY other treatments my doctors suggest) I would be in very REAL trouble. I have been in such pain that I have considered ending it all. You CANNOT do this to the people who are suffering like we are!!!!REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Marion, VA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Newburgh, NY signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Aurora, CO signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Abilene, TX writes:
I am a 35 year old mother. I suffer from Fibro and arthritis. Just had a laminectomy with a spinal fusion. Called in for my meds yesterday to be only turned away. I laid in med till 4am not being able to sleep. My legs burning and tingling. Shame on the Govt. I must say something has to change. People will start self medicating. You think a drug problem is bad now. Just wait.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Lawrenceville, GA writes:
This is just awful, how can anyone do this to the chronically ill, it's Unconscionable! Put your self in their shoes, one day it could be you.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Fredericksburg, VA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from San Jose, CA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Grand Lake, CO signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Plattsburgh, NY writes:
My pain confines me to bed most of the day, I am unable to play with my grandchildren. I can no longer cook, clean, and even dressing is painful. Drs should be allowed to test patients without fear of reprisals from the dea. So some pill heads od it was their choice...punishing the sick for them is wrong. Don't get me wrong it's a horrible thing when people od, but punishing those who suffer is wrong.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Denham Springs, LA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Baton Rouge, LA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Granville, NY writes:
It is a disgrace how doctors are no longer in charge of there patients. It seems insurance corporations and pharmaceutical companies make decisions. Not everyone is the same and we all require different approaches to treating our chronic pain. I want my doctors to be allowed to treat me as an individual. Just because it takes one person to heal per say in 3 months does not mean all will heal in that time. The same goes for pain management.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Windermere, FL writes:
I am a disabled adult with severe RA with joint deformity and muscle pain. I take small doses of Vicodin so that I can do basic functions in the home. Without pain meds I cannot get out of bed or perform basic tasks by myself. Slowly over the years I've watched as Drs have gotten increasingly scared to prescribe pain meds and I've watched with a heavy heart as the minority of abusers and junkies have made it hard for the people truly in pain to get help. I don't think we can afford to visit the Dr 12 times a year and I've been told my Dr might actually stop pain meds entirely for his whole practice because of the scrutiny by the government. I don't know what to do and I'm scared. I don't want to spend the rest of my life confined to a bed in pain. It is unfair to punish us for the actions of a small irresponsible minority. Thank you for listening. God bless.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Lutz, FL signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Weatherford, TX writes:
I live with extreme chronic pain. Thanks to new FDA rules looks like I will get not enough help . I thought that treating ones pain is part of the doctors job. What are people going to so. Suffer to death. I for one will struggle to even afford that many doctors visits. I just feel like someone jerked the rug from under me and shot me the middle finger. If I don't have the medicine to take the edge off then how can I even be able to do my Adls......REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Soda Springs, ID writes:
I'm disgusted by the fact that our government has this much power and control over issues that they have no business being involved in. Doctors should never be put in a position like this and patients should not suffer because of it. When does it end?REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Johnstown, PA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Johnstown, PA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Ironwood, MI writes:
Why do the ones who really need relief have to suffer because of the junkies? I am at a point today where I dont have any fight left to "fight through the pain." All because the drs are afraid to help? Really? Something needs to change again and fast.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Elk Grove, CA signed.
Oct 15th, 2014Someone from Marshall, WI writes:
Please help all pain patients to have access to a quality life. We suffer enough, please don't punish us further for the mistakes of others. ~BlessingsREPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelOct 15th, 2014Someone from Allentown, PA writes:
As a Pharmacy School Graduate, this most current DEA incursion into the health care professional/ patient relationship is disturbing. I recently witnesses a 60 year old man who was diagnosed after MRI with TWO cervical disc herniations(one so severe it required almost immediate surgery- scheduled within 5 days which is unusual- to prevent further spinal cord damage or possible paralysis). This man was in so much pain he could barely move his upper torso, walk or even get out of bed. He had burning, tingling radiation down both arms into his hands and fingers. Even after the MRI confirmed the severe herniations, doctors were still completely reluctant to give this man anything but NSAIDs and Tramadol(both had already failed miserably to control his pain in the slightest). Doctors and other health care professionals MUST be on the front lines pushing back against this incursion into patient treatment by the DEA. Have DEA agents gone to school for 6-12 years(as most health professionals have) to earn the privilege or have the education/proper training to deserve or be competent to make such decisions - OF COURSE NOT!! Doctors especially MUST remember their oaths not to do harm in situations such as these. There has been and ALWAYS will be a large role and proper place for opiate analgesics in pain management. Clinicians must use due diligence in determining when use of these agents is required and not be bullied by the next Justice Department/DEA Drug War propaganda pitch. Remember it is , ultimately, just as easy to have action taken against you and your license by a patient or the family of a patient that you mis/undertreated and made to suffer horribly; than it is the DEA.REPORT COMMENTS
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