I'm a simple "GP,"--a "Country Doc."
I Do care for a number of patients in Chronic pain.
Because I must CONSTANTLY FEAR the DEA, I require my "chronic pain patients" sign a "Pain Management Contract."
I am Scrupulously Careful about the pain prescriptions I Write. I often subject my "pain patients" to random "Drug Screens."
I have AMPLE EVIDENCE that adequate "Pain Management" has allowed a number of my Patients to resume Their Lives; Many of Those I Treat have gone from "Couch Potatoes" to Functioning, Taxpaying, Productive Citizens!
While there is AMPLE Evidence that there are MANY who abuse Narcotics; there are ALSO MANY who have Benefitted by these Medications.
SO, once again, do we ban ALL USE of a Potentially Dangerous Drug--(10% of the Population is allergic to penicillin)--or do we let the "Liscenced Pro's" control the Distribution of the "Controlled Substance!"
The Problem Comes when we must make the Critical Moral Decision.
" Do We Let the 'Docs'"-- Most of Them Trained for 12-16 years-- prescribe the 'Meds for Chronic Pain, or do we accept that our Patients with TRUE Chronic Pain must get their relief by buying their Medications from the "Underground Economy!"
We have a SERIOUS problem; there are patients suffering from Serious, Intractable Pain, whose Pain is NOT being addressed.
Because These Patients have Chronic Problems, the Earstwhile "Insurance Industry" would Rather that these "Subscribers" disappear!!
SO SHALL IT BE!!
Doc
With the large number of people needing effective, non-addictive painkillers, I'd imagine there is a lot of research going on. Is this true?
What, exactly, is the problem with a person in chronic pain who is "addicted" to the meds? Are the high levels needed for continued pain management toxic? Do they cause physical damage, like to the liver?
If it were me, I think I would take the meds that work and enjoy life while I could (as long as I could be assured a steady supply of the meds). I would choose that over being in pain and limited in what I could do for 20-30 years.