[alloysteel]

There is a mentality in this country, that does not recognize the seriousness of pain, or its consequences.

And they would ban all sorts of means to relieve physical pain. If it could be done, aspirin would be banned, and in a small way, in many places it is restricted, as in not being available anywhere except a pharmacy (though Tylenol is freely available). ANYTHING that relieves painful physical conditions, if it is Motrin, Aleve, or any of a number of other NSAIDs, is regarded as sinful, because any one of them "might" have side effects.

Well, duh. In some cases the "side effects" are the direct result of the relief of the pain, and other underlying symptoms become apparent. The side effects were there all the time, masked by the pain.

Narcotic-based pain relievers are even MORE sinful, because of a widespread superstition that ALL narcotics or opiates are instantly addictive to ALL individuals. It is true, that some physiologies may become physically dependent on the repeated administration of a particular narcotic drug. And besides, pain is just "all in your head". If you believe that, try sticking your hand in a wood chipper.

Also, there is the belief that "pain is supposed to make you a better person". Has anyone who believes THAT ever BEEN around a person in constant pain? The person in pain is not necessarily the better for it.

Vicodin has made my spouse much more bearable to be around. Spouse was taking Vioxx, which was more effective, but that got pulled off the market, rather abruptly.

Options for reducing pain are introduced, show great promise, and even make life much better for many people, only to have them removed because a few people had side effects that would never have been noticed under the pain.

One wishes that all the "puritans" who try to remove pain products from availability should have to suffer, if only for 24 hours, what so many pain patients go through day after day.

[Diogenesis]

" though Tylenol is freely available)"

Where it causes mild to severe hepatatitis in most of its users.
Tylenol should have been removed long ago.

[Brainhose]

All very good points.
I had a friend whose Mother had cancer of almost every part of her body.
She was on huge doses of Morphine, she didn't feel "high" she felt pain free. It wasn't long before she passed on.
Stephen Lynch would rather she'd have fuffered so some retarded Morphine addict couldn't get his or her fix.
As we would say up here in New England: He is such a wicked dink!

[Glenn]

>>There is a mentality in this country, that does not recognize the seriousness of pain, or its consequences.

i disagree. pain management is front and center in the medical industry. i've been a frequent inmate over the last few years and everyone who tended me, save one jerk, asked about pain. it's a shame that drug abusers ruin it for the rest of the kids when the government gets involved.