Rush's Dilemma: The Truth about Oxycontin

Patriot Paradox ^

[MistyCA]

It's unfortunate that the person I mentioned regarding the Vicadin was eventually moved to the list of oxycontin users. She already has an addiction problem and they just bumped her up a notch. :( One day she called frantic because the insurance would no longer pay the cost of the oxycontin. It was going to cost several hundred dollars to fill the prescription. That's the last I discussed it with her because it literally made me want to throw up. It's a long story, but it is the main reason I have such a negative opinion regarding oxycontin. She is well on her way to becoming another statistic.

I truly wish you the best in dealing with your pain. I am glad you did your homework and understand the drug. I think you (and many others here) are an exception in the world. :)

[OldPossum]

If you think these drugs are unhelpful or even unnecessary, then don't take them; no one is jamming them down your throat.

You don't have the right to tell others how they must conduct their lives or that your experiences with certain drugs therefore necessarily represent the experiences of others for whom these drugs are essential to their well-being.

It's true that some doctors do overprescribe, but is this an argument for taking away all doctors' prescription pads?

[Spyder]

Not exercising even a little does terrible things to your body and mind. Pain meds let me keep going.

Agreed entirely. As a PT I would get terribly frustrated with patients who completely refused narcotics post-op. Movement and exercise takes priority early after orthopedic surgery. If the pain is confining one to bed, it is much better to take the drug and start moving.

[bart99]

I'm not sure I'm an exception to much of anything. I think we all know that drug abuse is a bad thing....... and to be addictive to anything isn't good either (I say that while looking at my fourth cup of coffee this morning.). Anyway, I think the abusers are the exceptions and give continued medical advances a bad rap.

About the lady - if my prescriptions for anything cost a ton, I'd be switching insurance companies quickly. I could not afford to be paying a fortune for necessary medications. (Although...... I pay a fortune to be covered by insurance now. Hmmmm.)

I'll let you know in a year or so if I become a statistic, but I'm sure I won't......... um, hopefully.

I'm off for a while - you all have a terrific day!!

B.

[ChemistCat]

What they are doing to Rush is going to make that worse. People who are probably the least likely to get addicted, because they'll take the pill properly without chewing, on schedule, and with due regard for getting off of it when their pain improves, will be the ones most afraid to take it.

My Mom and I were just talking about how hard it is to get our doctors not to give us lortab and codeine for pain. We even tell them we're allergic to it, because we hate the side effects so much. And then, every time, they seem to hand us prescriptions for it.

[MistyCA]

You aren't going to be a statistic. :)

[boycott]

If you think these drugs are unhelpful or even unnecessary, then don't take them; no one is jamming them down your throat.

You don't have the right to tell others how they must conduct their lives or that your experiences with certain drugs therefore necessarily represent the experiences of others for whom these drugs are essential to their well-being.

It's true that some doctors do overprescribe, but is this an argument for taking away all doctors' prescription pads?

I don't see where I am suggesting taking away doctor's prescription pads.

Doctors are trusted by their patients. They have a responsibility to their patients. Regardless of our profession -- pilot, police, lawyer, journalist, doctor, etc. -- we all have to be responsible and accountable.

[ChemistCat]

It's amazing how much those of us with chronic pain talk about pain and medications. It really eats up your creative power and your attention span for other issues.

I read once that 98% of the work that gets done in this country is done by people who don't feel well. The ones who do feel well are out playing.

Sad.

[JustPiper]

Thank you! This drug is frightening and that it has become the 'social' drug of choice when it's use is needed by the terminally ill etc.

[MistyCA]

I remember when my brother was still working and he was so sick sometimes he could hardly get up, but he still went to work. I asked him once....why do you do that? He said, "They get the best days of my life, they can have the worst ones too!"

[JoeSchem]

"So the more you take the better you feel. And why is it so addictive: "

Just like beer.

I think people respond to different drugs in different ways. Last night I had a 'passion fruit cooler' and today I have a mild headache and slight nausea and an urgent need to go to the bathroom every half-hour. God's way of keeping me from becoming an alcoholic, I guess, because Lord knows I have no resistance to anything else (cookies, especially!).

[mvpel]

You were greedy and so you overdosed :). One or two lattes a day should be enough.

But they made me feel sooooo gooood... a yummy hazelnut latte, like warm candy down the throat.

[Leto]

Now the question is .. why in the heck are doctors prescribing OxyContin???

I had Kidney stones and a lot pain after the operation. This stuff was an amazing painkiller. Very Good when used properly.

Not good if you have an addictative personality however.

I threw away about 10 that were left over from my perscription. Guess I could have sold them ;=)

A lot of rationalization from the WOD crowd. Rush is lucky though he won't go to jail like a poor kid would. I do hope he is able to learn to control his addiction.