[Cagey]

2007 Version of "The Graduate"

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.

Benjamin: Yes, sir.

Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?

Benjamin: Yes, I am.

Mr. McGuire: Pharmaceuticals

Benjamin: Just how do you mean that, sir?

[ClearCase_guy]

I really like how they managed to dredge up Rush Limbaugh’s problem. Nice work by AP. Just what I expect.

[Jack Hammer]

Speaking as an “oldster,” I would have to say that, after age fifty-five or so, if you wake up without something, somewhere, hurting, you’re probably dead.

[Crazieman]

I suffer from frequent migraines :(

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

The increased use of pain killers is not necessarily good, or bad. It depends. It would also be good to see doctors encourage their patients to try some natural remedies first. I get good pain relief with Ester C. I know it sounds funny but google “pain, Vitamin C”. We’re healthier for it, too.

[CholeraJoe]

War on Doctors ping.

[6ppc]

A very disjointed article. I can't figure out if it's about growth in sales of pain killers, rampant over prescription of pain killers, unfair prosecution of doctors who prescribe pain killers, or the growing need for pain killers.

I have a good friend who in 1990 fell and broke his spine in several places. I've seen the xrays and his spine is held together with plates and screws. The only thing that keeps him going is pain killers. I hate to think how he would manage if they were suddenly not available.

[fatnotlazy]

My doctor is heading for semi-retirement in warmer climes at the end of this year. This doctor advocated exercise, healthy eating and anything that didn’t involve drugs, unless there was an absolute need. Unfortunately, he is referring his patience to the doctors who treated my mother. These doctors prescribed pain pills for hangnails. No thank you. I’m not going to a pill pusher.

[raybbr]

ping

[Thrownatbirth]

The article didn’t metion overseas internet sales of prescription drugs. My neighbor’s high school kid was ordering 300 hits of Valium a month from some outfit in Pakistan for over a year. It’s ridiculously easy and it’s where most abusers go.

[WKB]

Later Read

[sono]

An aging overweight poplulation with a superimposed drive for exercise = musculoskeletal injury and arthritis. This seems more a dog bites man story.

[BallyBill]

I've needed daily RX painkillers for over 20 years now. The first 10 were Lortab and Vicodin. Finally the doctor forced me to quit work and then the Oxycodones. The last 10 years I've been taking Tramadol and work from home when able.

Life is much better. Tramadol is much less effective, but it is also less addicting and it doesn't seem to lose its power after constant use.

[jackieaxe]

_A major change in pain management philosophy is now in its third decade. Doctors who once advised patients that pain is part of the healing process began reversing course in the early 1980s; most now see pain management as an important ingredient in overcoming illness.

The DEA would rather you be in pain so they all have jobs getting between you and your pain medication. We would be better off with no DEA!

[coloradan]

Doubled?! OUCH!!

[knuthom]

The reluctance to prescribe pain medicine is hurting patients - literally. I went to an ER while traveling in another city. I had a kidney stone. I have had them before. The ER staff acted like I was a drug addict when I pleaded for something for the pain.

[BlazingArizona]

A major change in pain management philosophy is now in its third decade. Doctors who once advised patients that pain is part of the healing process began reversing course in the early 1980s; most now see pain management as an important ingredient in overcoming illness.

And the federosaurus obesus can't stand this. They believe that pain builds character, and intend to keep right on imprisoning doctors who prescribe pain pills.

Reason #18 or so why the GOP will lose next time.

[i_dont_chat]

Many of my friends are former addicts of perscription drugs. Most addicts will tell you that they never took a pill they didn’t believe they needed. Rationalization and self-deception play a big part in addiction.

It’s fairly easily to convince a doctor of your pain, especially if you believe it yourself. Too many times, that is all an M.D. does to make a living — they write scripts.

Sooner or later every person must sit down to a meal of consequences.

Pray for realistic self-appraisal and self-honesty. It is the only way to recovery.