Possibly some but nevertheless addicted. Painkillers over time create a hyper-sensitivity to perceived pain. They are not the long term pain management solution.
I agree with you. If people are in pain that affects their daily life, they should be able to get pain medication without fear of some federal or state agency coming down on them. I too, don’t have an addiction problem, I have a pain problem. Both my legs are in pain most of the time. I try to only use pain medicine at night so that I can at least get a little relief to sleep. It really sucks that you are made to feel like a criminal.
I have chronic back pain. Fell on some ice 32 years and 6 months ago. Compression fractured three verts. In bed for eight months. It’s been quite bad lately, but I don’t take anything for it. Just suffer. I have known three people in their Seventies, that have become addicted to Oxycontin, and have no desire to join them. But,,,,, it hurts,,, every day, 24 hours a day.
I’m right there with you guys on the pain thing. Fortunately I have an understanding and sympathetic doctor, she gives me what I need and only requires a visit every 6 months but she even requires that for my blood pressure meds too, which I have been taking for 20 years or so (The B.P. meds, that is).
Recently I had a blood test to check my liver and kidneys due to Tylonal usage and I am in good shape on that but I requested that she order my hydrocodone with less Tylonal anyway and she complied. Now there is just 325 m.g. in each pill. The script says 10-325 and I take up to 5 a day. It keeps the pain in check.
However, I still have problems getting the strong enough dosage. Some of the stories told me is that the VA docs don't have authority to prescribe higher doses and that what they prescribe is only 25% effective. I read that to say that the VA is only willing to prescribe 25% of what I actually need.
When I was being treated by Florida hospital, I was on 120 mg Oxycontin plus Percocet for breakthrough pain. When I first started with the VA they put me on worthless Darvon which has now been withdrawn from the market as being too dangerous.
After a few months on that ineffective medication, and after much complaining my primary care provider (PCP)finally sent me to the pain clinic who recognized my need and finally gave me a effective prescription.
Now after being a few years on Morphine and Oxycodone for breakthrough pain, I need a higher dosage and once again my PCP is sending me to the pain clinic to get it done claiming that he didn't have the authority needed to raise my prescription.
My current PCP is not my original PCP, he is my third one. My first one decided that he no longer wanted to handle me after I asked him to increase my dosage. The first time I asked, he completely dropped the ball and didn't even renew my current prescription.
He was so scared of increasing it he transferred me to my second PCP who reinstated the current prescription but also assigned me to monthly testing to ensure that I was actually taking the meds. He retired after three months and now I am on my third PCP who is also scared of increasing my dosage without approval from the pain clinic which will trigger another round of monthly testing.
It is a very sad state of affairs when even our wounded vets some of which have devastating injuries can't get the proper medication.
Hear, hear!