Big Pharma's Lockdown On Legitimate Chronic Pain Patients (Page 62)
(Newest replies first)

Is narcotic pain medicine becoming a thing of the past?

Why are doctors across America phasing out the practice of prescribing effective pain medication?

Will big pharmaceutical companies ever truly understand what it's like to face the other side of the coin?

Lately there's been a musty scent in the air surrounding the use of prescribed narcotic pain medication. Many doctors appear to be running scared as the DEA scours through fields of medical records, inspecting prescribing pads like a mouse scavenges for food in a dimly lit cellar.

Should the day come when doctors recommend Ibuprofen to a feeble man who's been involved in a terrible car accident (breaking several bones / requiring extensive surgery), is this doctor at risk of malpractice when there are more effective options available that they choose not to pick, out of fear? Fear of what? Doing the right thing? No, I don't think this is the reason... Somewhere along the line, in the not too distant past, doctors were loosely prescribing narcotic pain medication as if it would never go out of style. Nowadays, the harsh penalty of potentially losing their license for writing any unknown number of opiate prescriptions over so many calendar days or some other form of strict criteria, has been enough to prevent many physicians from taking even subtle "risks" with patients who are expressing obvious signs of pain and discomfort.

The unfortunately unique problem with pain is that it's not a physical object and in order for others to detect it, they'd have to rely solely on the backbone of our body language using their intuition - something that's gone missing in western practice. If more doctors took the time and really got to know their patients front to back, then they will be their own best judge of deciding what the right thing to do is, regardless of what the DEA thinks about their decision or what their drug representative wants out of the deal. Sadly, until patients are put before profits, the foundation of America's healthcare system remains in jeopardy like an iceberg affected by global warming.

While I believe that the vast majority of human beings in their right mind would choose to do the right thing, we must all work together to become the change we wish to see within every aspect of our lives; and knowing that by doing so, it will shine light on those crossing our path that need it most.

In the meantime, some patients may have to find another way to manage their pain without putting their life or health at risk. Others are turning to natural alternatives such as kratom, cannabis, turmeric and/or implementing various lifestyle changes into their daily regime... But the key is to never give up hope.

What will you do?

Warm regards to all who face life's challenges head on.

REPLY

REPORT

Re: MacTurk (# 1)

I was just at an appointment with a psychiatrist who is allowed to prescribe pain medications and he said he will not take the chance. He was visited by the Auditors for DEA to see his prescription pad. They also want the name of any doctor that prescribes Opiates. Two of his best doctor friends lost their medical licenses for overprescribing. Just like that. If you need pain medication I went straight to the ER and was admitted for pain and given morphine.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Claude (# 314) --

I wanted to say to you, I totally agree. But it says I have to leave a 'detailed' message. ;-) So...to reiterate some more... You are absolutely right...IF that FACT never changes. And thanks for your comment.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: Anais Goodacre (# 16)

I had to sign a contract and can only use 1 pharmacy. I have to go in before my refill date and I have to take my medication with me so they can count them and I take a U/A every other month and it's all worth it to keep the quality of my life up where it is with my medication I have a family to take care of and if I lose the life I have now I don't know how I could to my responsibilities. I have been dealing with this pain for 10 years and it has been a very hard struggle to get everything the way it is now.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Sandie Veazey (# 295)

You need to read my previous posts. I agreed the doctor was lying. I'm not relying on ANYONE'S words. I have been researching this issue for YEARS. Have you read the CDC "guidelines"? I have...all 16 pages! I put quotes around guidelines for a reason. You are right...they were originally meant to be guidelines only! However, when every pain mgmt. practice in any state suddenly stops prescribing ANY pain meds for ANYONE...then the "guidelines" have effectively become law.

The entire system has become everyone pointing fingers at someone else. The doctors tell patients (falsely) that there are new laws stating he can't refill your meds. If you ask him what laws, he then refers to the CDC "guidelines". If you push further and say "I thought they were just guidelines, not State regulations"? Then the doc says "Well if I don't follow them, the DEA will take my license".

Don't tell me the DEA has nothing to do with what doctors prescribe. Look on your next prescription. Your doctor has an individual DEA number and it's listed on your prescription. Without that number, your doctor cannot prescribe anything. And who is it that closes a doctors office when they are suspected of being a pill mill? Where do you think the DEA would get the idea that a doctor may be over prescribing opiods? The DEA is sent monthly reports (broken down by each doctors DEA prescribing number) from each states Prescription Monitoring Database. If a doctor (whether family physician or pain mgmt. specialist) prescribes above a certain threshold SET BY THE DEA...they are investigated/audited by the DEA!! Do you honestly think whomever you spoke with at the DEA would admit to this over the phone?? Really? They don't want the general public to KNOW that they are doing this because it's too close to socialized medicine where the government TELLS you what you can and cannot be prescribed. So of course they won't admit this. Instead, they claim it's just part of the War on Drugs.

Ok Curious 80.... help me out here. Please confirm for this forum that records/reports from the Prescription Monitoring Databases ARE sent to the DEA....however around about they get there....i.e., thru the State Pharmacy Board, Medical Board, etc.

Where do you think the number of prescription opiods prescribed every year come from?

If you ask the CDC...they say "Its not our fault...we just suggested these "guidelines".

Do you not see a pattern here? It's everyone else's fault your doctor has cut your meds in half, that CP patients cannot get help anymore.

I have been a CP patient for 23 years, 15 of those years at Duke University, the last 8 years with pain mgmt. in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Before I was disabled, I was a Paralegal in Wilmington, Delaware. I KNOW how to do research. I would NOT post FALSE or incorrect information. Us CP patients NEED TRUTH not the BS we are being fed by professionals who are SUPPOSED to be here to HELP us.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Re: w john (# 300)

If you would like to REALLY see what your pharmacist thinks about us CP patients... go to Reddit then r/pharmacy. It is definitely an eye-opening forum. It's NOT in your head.... posters there (mostly pharmacists) DESPISE us and will lie to you in the blink of an eye.

Before everyone calls me out for this post...go to that forum first. NOT ALL pharmacists are bad...just like NOT ALL CP patients are addicts looking for a fix. Until there is better communication between patients, doctors and pharmacists, uncalled for cruel judgements are being made on ALL sides.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hop63 (# 315) --

Once again, the plan in their mind is to attack the honest, deserving people instead of just going after the addicts and criminals. In London recently a madman attacked several people with a KNIFE. The Mayor of London is now going after the knives. He said NO ONE needs to carry a knife. Ever. I don't understand why the authorities are not attacking the makers of pressure cookers. After all, a pressure cooker was used by the Boston Marathon killers. That leads to cigarettes that have been proven to kill millions a year. And, of course, alcohol is used by drunk drivers and others that commit crimes under the influence. Do they think that they can just ban everything or substance that causes damage?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Re: Anais Goodacre (# 16)

Things were similar in my region of the US. Be prepared for big changes in the future.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Taradiddle (# 312) --

Unfortunately people in a position of power will always have access to whatever they want or need. They don’t have to live by the rules you and I do!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Re: Goat c (# 8)

I agree with what everyone is saying. I have been on disability since 2003. My pain doctor was prescribing OxyContin & Soma for many years. Now for the last 8 years my doctor will only prescribe Soma. Which helps but doesn’t completely take all the pain away. I spend most days on the couch. I had a pain pump implanted & go to the doctor to have it refilled. At least that helps somewhat. If Medicare would have approved a disc replacement in the first place, I may not need to have any medicine at all. But they wanted to do the cheapest way which is by getting a prescription from my doctor. Now the government is all over these doctors about any meds that help. I’ve been disabled since my 30s. Now I’m 58 & they are complaining about the medication they approved in the first place. I lost most of my life because Disability dictated what I can have. They caused this & now they want to take away the only medication they approved. What’s next?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Taradiddle (# 312) --

Taradiddle, nice job encouraging Lipper. If we cannot work on the front lines, at least we can empathize with fellow sufferers. To know we are not alone, our struggle is that of others, that numerous sufferers are going through the same torments, because of frightened doctors or severely censoring pharmacists.....it's not just me, I am not alone. Yes the forces are out full throttle to see the comfort we seek from the appropriate meds is denied us, chronic pain patients, bottom feeders, so it would seem. Our functionality seems no concern to doctors seriously worried about being censored, or worse, by the unfeeling, uncaring beauracracy.

Very sad. Sad for us, inadequately treated, and sad for the doctors that would like to treat us, but their hands are tied because they just happen to have so many, so many more than they should, chronic pain patients. We are like the intellectually disabled of years ago, those kept out of public view and scrutiny. We are the ones that do all the therapy, inj's., life adjustments, and still remain in pain. Not our fault, but none the less a grave burden today on the average GP. What are they to do with us? In today's anti-opioid climate? Well...treat us you say!!! Well ok, for this month, but not EVERY month! Well why not? Because...you know.... the number of prescriptions generated from THIS...my office. Oh...ok....well now what do I do? I don't know...but...do not appear to be seeking....do not doctor shop....do not pharmacy shop...just...I don't know... just shut the hell up! Quit begging...it's not attractive. Oh! Sorry! I say....

No where to turn. No one cares. That's why we must encourage each other. If we are able, we must advocate for each other. To remain silent, with the tide against us is to drown, to give up. To acquiesce to the powers that be....the powers against our functionality, powers against the doctors that MAY want to help us. Oh, we are just peons in the health care industry, but we can be heard if we make enough noise. When we meet with our doctors, let's not be timid, let's voice our dissappointment, voice our sufferings, voice our needs, because if we are too timid to do this, who will on our behalf? Who?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Lipper (# 307) --

Thank you Lipper. I can't imagine how horrible it must be for your doctor and you to go through this. The only way I believe this may get solved is how most laws come into being... it will take one person involved in politics, law or government to have a family member or close friend die or become in need of opioids and unable to acquire them. Once that accures I would bet they will see a need to change the laws. So... unfortunately it's a waiting game. I wish you and your doctor the best.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Curious80 (# 303) --

I trust my Pharmacist more than my doctor. She has saved my life. A doctor Prescribed me medication that can cause seizures. And I have epilepsy! She called the doctor and told him what she thought of him and did not fill it for me and quite frankly might’ve saved my life.I have the utmost respect for you and your occupation. It must be a difficult time for you. God Bless.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Re: Melba (# 299)

I had to get an infusion due to the NSAIDs because it caused adominal bleeding whenever they went in for a look to see why my RBC was low & I was dx with lupus, fibromyalgia, endo, and lymphathy ect. The NSAIDs did more harm than good. The naproxen sodium has a new type of ingredient in it to protect your stomach now but unfortunately that didn't work long for me. Those have a risk of strokes, heart attacks, and way more dangerous things than ones opiates. Don't get me wrong the NSAIDs helped some of my pain to where others didn't it's just their forcing to many of those & your pharmacist if competent will explain it verbally as well as give you the leaflet. You need to ask your local pharmacist about a drug that might not hurt your condition that you might can request your dr to look into & hopefully help you. Those NSAIDs are horrible on some levels & one don't need a degree to know that! I hope you get the answers your seeking!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

etcch (# 309) --

I agree!! Did you happen to look at the national pain coalition website and their petitions with various updates and events they're doing in Washington during national pain week? I posted that link, and then there was a link that the gov is asking addicts with success stories to go and tell their story. I misunderstood until it was pointed out to me that while they only want addicts that this is where we chronic pain patients can throw in how we are NOT ADDICTS but People who are pain patients. This is a way to get our emails in there so that the government can see the harm they are doing to us. Its also a right & affects everyone with or without pain. I may had confused some on that but if you look through my link and read it you can see what the tactic is to get our voices heard. As far as the national pain coalition you will see about the March and different speakers. Some are drs who have stood up for us. I know one would need to live near their to participate but at least the petitions can be signed that are posted and there's ways to reach your local and state leaders. They have numbers and email addresses to people who will help direct you. I try to pass along what's thrown my way & share. I know some things may or may not help but I feel everything is worth reading and checking out. It's our lives and our loved ones lives, If any of you need help writing or finding who to write in your state just post your question & Some of us will help you look for the information you need! And if anyone has anything useful they find out please by all means share it! We must all help one another & hope we can stop this! There's so much more that we all are having to deal with in our country without having to worry about our quality of life! Big hugs to each of you!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

TO: **** EVERYONE IN THIS DISCUSSION CHAT SITE****:

I would like to reiterate what I wrote to Claude and as he posted to me too.. I think we all agree that something has to be done about the pain meds or lack of it there is. He was speaking of writing to his congressman about the pain med problem and problems we all have coping without them. I was speaking of writing to my congressman and anyone I know of in power and forward many of these post to him/them. Please find out who they are in your district/town and even outside of it if you can. WE ALL NEED TO DO THIS, NOT JUST SAY IT. C'mon yall, let's get this done. Maybe someone out there will listen and hopefully act. I am asking everyone to PLEASE do this for the good of us all.We should do most of our complaining to them and it's ok in here as well.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Re: Claude (# 292)

Hi Claude, You are right.We all have to get off of our butts and start writing to our congressmen and anyone in power One of my plans is to copy and paste many of these posts in here.and forward them. We have to get them to start listening. Please everyone, find out who your congressmen are and really do what I am doing. Thant may be our only hope. C'mon let's take the bull by the horns.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Taradiddle (# 306) --

That is written beautifully. I can see the tears in my doctors eyes when he discusses with me what is going on.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

This is my take on the lockdown... In a prison setting...it is almost impossible to serve your time without breaking a law while doing it.
Example: If one person in a cell of many people breaks a rule and refuses to fess up. The guards will punish all the inmates, which in turn causes the innocent inmates to inflict their own punishment on the guilty party when no guards are around to witness it. This leaves the guards as innocent "unknowing and unseeing" bystanders to the original guilty inmate's final and ultimate and supposedly justified punishment. It's called Prison Justice. Problem solved! Reason I say this is because this is almost the same scenario that is going on with the crack down in prescription pain meds. The big pharma companies have spent billions developing drugs that work. Which they advertised to the doctors...saying these drugs are safe and not addictive. Doctor's believe this, with good intentions and pass them out as they see fit. Most patients are in legitimate pain and these drugs are a God send. BUT...you have the minority that abuse them. Then government steps in and rather than attack the original guilty player (big pharma) they punish the doctors. So...the doctors in turn punish their patients. And this leaves the government as the true punisher without having to directly inflict the original punishment on the drug companies. And the ultimate end of the story is that innocent patients get caught in the crossfire. Problem solved! Except, and we all know this...it's not solved. The patients then turn to illegal drugs and/or quasi pain in the ass herbal remedies like Kratom with mixed results. Then..once again government steps in and arrests the newly formed users who have turned to illegal street drugs. And so the saga continues... With no one left accountable and the victims of this mess are the patients. Who are the original innocent party to this horrible injustice. Thanks for reading this.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 8

JMJ (# 304) --

I hear ya, I feel the same way, the lies from these doctors have got to stop

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Curious80 (# 303) --

Curious80, it's good to have someone with background taking their time to put in their two cents. I am nothing but a consumer, but I am better off with truth and facts to operate by. When I speak with my doctor, I want to operate on truths instead of emotion. And this is seriously an emotional topic. Our functionality is determined by the support of our meds. Should it be? Ahhhh, another topic. I will say, my productivity is as it should be with my meds. And, not being in my most productive years, that greatly matters to me. I don't want to lay down just yet. As I've said before, there are babies to be rocked, people to see, places to go, and service to be rendered. When I just lie down, due to overwhelming pain, I won't be long for this world. May not matter to those who prescribe my meds, but surely, it matters to me.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

People with chronic, intractable pain are being discriminated against and it is imperative that we join forces to fight ...

557 REPLIES

Thanks to all you drug abusers there has been an ongoing war on us legit chronic pain patients. Thanks to all who abuse ...

118 REPLIES

Many people that are being turned away from opioids (and maybe other drugs) are refused based on the requirement that th...

1 REPLY

Is there a rep. for the ppl. who were controlled on 3 OxyContin OC a day, who now suffer and have proved the new OPs DON...

68 REPLIES

I had signed an old petition "Stop the DEA from interfering with chronic pain patients and their medical professiona...

29 REPLIES

Has anyone else been prescribed Belbuca? I'm unable to have any other opiates prescribed to me and now I'm on th...

7 REPLIES

My husband is disabled. has had 3 hip replacement surgeries, moved to southwest michigan last month. husband's dr th...

3 REPLIES

My dr said they were limiting prescribing oxys to just cancer patients, took me off oxy 30s and now im on 4mg hydromorph...

48 REPLIES

All local pharmacies claim to be full concerning pain medication patients. I've been everywhere within a 200 mile ra...

3 REPLIES

Hi sir iam a having hbv from last 5 years but dont have much symptoms but from last few days iam having pain in liver ar...

5 REPLIES