August 9, 2005
My goodness! We are on a roll. Another great article addressing the belief there is an undertreatment of pain. And once again, AARP – The Magazine is the publisher. Found in the September/October 2005 issue, Health Report by Barry Yeoman, “Prisoners of Pain” I’ve listed quotes that stood out to me.
“Why are millions of suffering Americans being denied the prescription drug relief they need?”
“Each time, she mentioned the pain. Each time, the doctor deftly changed the subject. Each time, she left in pain.”
“…he doesn’t want to treat your pain because the treatment that works is opioids, and he’s afraid to prescribe them.”
“An estimated 75 million Americans suffer from chronic pain…”
“Undertreatment runs as high as 50 percent among advanced-stage cancer patients and 85 percent among older Americans living in long-term facilities.”
“Much of this suffering is preventable. Experts do know how to reduce pain safely.”
“Many harbor the false impression that opioids frequently lead to addiction…”
“…some physicians fear that if they deliver humane pain care, they’ll face prosecution by the Drug Enforcement Administration…”
“…physicians…say…I’m going to stop writing (opioid) prescriptions because I don’t want the DEA coming into my office and putting handcuffs on me…”
I could go on and on, but you get the point. For the full text, I encourage you to get a copy of the magazine and read it. This applies to all pain sufferers, not just us “over 50’s”!
In past articles, I’ve addressed many of the issues presented here. Having gone through, in my own humble opinion, years of undertreatment for pain, I know first hand what a personal crisis this is. Fortunately for me, I found a doctor who understood the issue, actually listened to me – the pain patient – and made the determination my daily migraine could not be treated solely with non-pain medications. As I’ve said before, long-acting opioids gave me, and my family, my life back. I am in no way pain-free, however I have been able to function as a husband (of 34 years), a father (of four) and a productive employee (retired after 30 years).
Talk to your doctor(s), talk to the regulators, talk to your congressmen/women, continue to educate yourself. Read, surf the internet, go to the library. Do what is necessary to provide relief for yourself so you can become, or continue to be a functioning human being. Because a bureaucrat says “No” to an accepted, scientifically proven treatment that can be your salvation is inexcusable. Get active about your own treatment. Education is the most valuable tool we have.
