Posted on 10/05/2018 4:57:42 AM PDT by GailA
STREET JUNKIES DREAM BILL
“We’ve seen the rise of powerful synthetic drugs like fentanyl that have the potential to make an already terrible problem worse. Exposure to miniscule amounts can have deadly consequences for users as well as first responders. That’s why this bill takes a broad-spectrum approach to meet the opioid crisis head on.”
“The bill reauthorizes critical substance abuse prevention programs, expands access to treatment and provides law enforcement with tools to stop the trafficking of illicit substances.”
The bill certainly gives more attention to treatment of addiction – creating a grant program to comprehensive recovery centers that include housing and job training and would also increase access to “medication-assisted” treatment to help people with substance abuse disorders wean themselves.
But it is silent on the chronic pain issue and the patients who use opioids to manage their pain—again pointing out the lack of attention that elected officials are giving to the 100 million Americans who have chronic pain.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalpainreport.com ...
These Control freaks on this thread I don’t know whether their church ladies or what crack me up. Telling people they should take aspirins if they get into a bad accident or have an operation. Can you imagine? You can not have people writhing around in severe pain after an accident or an operation you’ll never heal.
In many cases, that's true. My wife and I have had a number of experiences that tell me that opioid medication has a place in providing relief from both minor and major suffering. My wife had fairly extensive bone mets from breast cancer a few years ago, with (as you can imagine) considerable pain. Offered oxycodone she initially refused to take it, for fear of addiction. I recall her telling the oncologist about her concern. His reply was to give her an astounded look and say, "You've got cancer." So she took the pills, got blessed relief, and found that she had no trouble limiting herself to the prescribed dosage. When her treatment kicked in and she no longer was in pain, she simply stopped taking the pills.
For my part, I suffered an aortic dissection two years ago. The pain, of course, was intense. Part of the initial treatment was pain relief with morphine, not only the obvious reason, but to help keep my blood pressure down. After eight or nine days, the pain lessened, and I requested to be switched to Tylenol, which at that point worked very well, so long as I was lying in bed. They sent me home with a bottle of Percocet, which I used only on select occasions when I had to be mobile for an extended period of time. On all other occasions I used Tylenol to relieve the pain, which persisted for another two months.
Earlier this year I had an umbilical hernia repaired. A simple operation, but one that left me with quite a bit of discomfort for about four or five days afterward. I must say, after the event, that I was quite grateful for the little bottle of oxycodone the surgeon prescribed me. In that case, Tylenol would not have done the trick.
We Americans, once we set our minds on something, are very good at pursuing it to its logical end. I hope, in the present case, we don't pursue a solution to the opioid "epidemic" to the point where people who have a legitimate need for these remarkable drugs are unable to get them, or must jump through impossible hoops to do so.
I'm reminded of the Reverend Crisparkle in Charles Dickens's "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Confronting that bumptious blowhard, Reverend Honeythunder, a rabid temperance advocate, he heatedly observes, "Another time, in another of your undiscriminating platform rushes, you would punish the sober for the drunken. I claim consideration for the comfort, convenience, and refreshment of the sober; and you presently make platform proclamation that I have a depraved desire to turn Heaven's creatures into swine and wild beasts!" [My italics].
So glad you are not my doctor.
Do you honestly believe that 30% of the population of the United States are hobbled by intractable pain?
Certainly there are some like that, but if your numbers were true, We’d all be living like Charlie’s grandparents on Willie Wonka and not the strong productive society we are.
Tylenol is worthless for severe pain.
So if I have to take pain meds because of a ruptured disc I'm not fit?
I see nothing in the bill that prevents doctors from treating their patients with opioids if they need them.
Now, I’ll warrant the proscribing opioids is fraught with danger for both addiction and fraud, but a good physician can help the patient manage potential addiction problems, and should know when he/she is being hoodwinked by fraudsters. No, that’s not perfect, but it can be done.
The bottom line is that opioids, along with many other medicines, are part of treating pain and those that really need them should discuss it with their doctor.
I’ve been prescribed many medicines that have not worked well and I let my doctor know in no uncertain terms that a drug is causing me problems and what the problem is, and I will not continue taking it.
On the other hand, I can tolerate most pain with ibuprofen or naproxen, except for teeth issues. I ask for stronger stuff and get it.
I don’t see anywhere in this bill that would change that.
I’ve had a hip replacement and refused to take the pain pump crap.
Yup, hurt like hell and I was in pain for weeks, but I got through it without being doped up.
I’ve had a broke back too and seldom take anything for pain. If I get too much pain I take a Tylenol or aspirin.
My kid recently had part of his intestines removed. They gave him some sort of pain block during surgery and he needed nothing afterwards. I don’t think he even took any Motrin.
That said, I’ve used Oxycodone when I had kidney stones. It was great stuff that instantly overwhelmed the pain. I couldn’t imagine taking it just for kicks though.
My county is one of the epicenters on the east coast for opiods. We all know people who have died from overdoses. It’s sad. Doing nothing isn’t an option.
Our Sheriff has taken the approach of treating OD’s as victims. If they survive, they get helped, but they also get questioned very heavily about where they got it. The Sheriff then goes after the dealers...hard.
Is it working? I don’t know, but it’s a good alternative to the old way.
Read Opiod Bill and thought WJC was stopping by White House ....
You should tell that to a friend of mine. We was a heroin addict back in the 80’s. Became a Christian and got off the drugs. He now helps other addicts.
He works construction. Once a wall caved in and threw him off a 2nd story building onto a pile of debris. He broke lots of stuff, including his back. Because of his background, he refuses to swallow any pain meds.
He had surgeries and lots of rehab with no meds. It’s outrageously hard, but can be done.
What kind of physician are you? I think your disinformation is probably detrimental to your patients. As a physician (anesthesiologist) I disagree with your statements that are less than scientific.
Let me get this straight...You have surgery for a ruptured disc, which should cure your problem, but you need to take 3 to4 Percocets per day for the rest of your life to function.
I guess, I’m a different as I think the purpose for a doctor is to return a person back to a productive state in society.
Tylenol actually is quite effective esp for degenerative disc problems. I’m not saying that, but it’s been in studies. If you’re interested I’ll get the research for you.
I think I’ve made it clear, that I’m talking about chronic pain and the use of opioids. Short term pain issues, from surgery, kidney stones, labor etc. etc. need pain meds that are effective. People don’t get addicted to short term pain use when they’re in pain.
I see a lot of people, actually the vast majority, on pain meds for low back pain. I reduce the meds while increasing functionality using physical therapy, actually, McKenzie Physical therapy provided by McKenzie certified therapists.
If there are any McKenzie therapists in the crowd, please chime in here.
I am able to restore full function in over 90%.
Doctors can make you “feel” better. That’s easy. But do you want to “get” better. That’s takes some commitment and a plan.
My young friend who was life lined to Louisville after a car accident is still in constant pain. He tells me smoking pot relieves his pain better than any opioids But he can’t smoke because of his employment so after resisting taking them for six years it’s his only choice. Please name more choices he can take.
Roger that, Doc...I have chronic back pain and a knee replacement that went badly....I had opioids with the knee replacement and all they did was make me woozy with no real pain relief.
Tylenol actually works well...I keep a few in my pocket and take them as needed. They also help me sleep at night.
Marijuana is not an analgesic. It has little roll in true pain relief although there are some benefits for other conditions and St Lyons. Unfortunately it has become politicized. This is not the best treatment for anything. Depending on his symptoms there are balanced approaches to reducing his pain.
I do not see addiction to pain meds, when they’re used for acute pain, and they stop when the pain stops.
This is a complex issue. People take pain meds for a wide variety of reasons, not related to their pain.
You also have genetic issues here as well. A family history of addiction may be a big factor. Interesting that Trump has never had a drop of alcohol. Very interesting. He even said, that if he started he’s be the best at it.
Represents a keen understanding of addiction, but he saw it first hand.
The use that you describe is really very normal. Most people take the meds, many times not all, and they stop. The bottles may still be in your cabinet half full.
OTOH, there are people out there who are really dependent on these meds, and they’re prescribed like water to them.
Trust me, I’m not pointing a finger at the patient, not even the doctor who is seeing 30 to 40 patients per day, and it’s easier to renew a pain med, than to look at getting them off. I’ve been there trust me, esp older patients. The really get upset if you don’t renew their pain meds.
There’s a place for pain meds, but there is wide spread abuse of these drugs... That’s the bottom line.
I’d have to know more about where the pain is coming from...
Again. What kind of physician are you?
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