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It has been almost 7 years since the surgery, but it was 20 (I kid you not) of pain no one was able to diagnose. The episodes were sporadic at first, maybe once or twice a year. No residual effects afterwards.

Then the episodes increased in frequency as did the level of pain and the length of the episodes. We never decided if it was the bile ducts that caused the gallbladder inflammation or the other way around.

My only point in sharing my story is that I know what it is like through experience having pain so intense, so unbearable that life is a living hell.

I was not above doctor shopping for pain relief.

I had one doctor look at me and say "Gut pain is not unusual--I have irritable bowels and my gut hurts right now." In other words, "Get over it" It was like a death sentence to me. "F-You", I thought, "I am not going to endure this because your tummy hurts." Went to another doctor.

Sometimes I wonder if the fact that I was a woman had anything to do with the doctor's perception of my pain. But that is for another day.

Anyway, I shared my story for one reason. As presented, Rush began the oxycontin for unrelieveable pain. (Unlike Rush, I did not become addicted) I did not have the financial means he has, but I am also guilty of what he did. I never resorted to buying them from dealers off the street, but my best friend knew that if someone prescibed anything with codiene in it, I needed the leftovers. She saw the agony I was in, she would not do it if for one moment she thought I was looking for a fix for an addiction. But, I cannot sit here and tell you I would not have bought it from a street dealer if that was the only way I had to get it.

By concentrating on "Rush did the crime, he needs to do the time." we are falling into the very trap those with an agenda are planning. Yes, he did the crime (if it is proven in a court of law). BUT we need to expand the discussion if for no other reason than preventing the agenda driven from writing the script.

Separate those that doctor shop because of recreational drug use (scum bags) from those who feel thaey have no choice because pain is the controlling factor in their lives. From that, the discussion needs to focus on how to prevent those who are addiction prone from developing an addiction.

I have no numbers to bear me out, but I believe the aggressive treatment of pain (I am not talking about minor aches) for a physical problem rarely leads to an addiction IF the doctor understands pain control and he/she and the patient are committed to working together.