Re: Not So

[Guest guest]

Ray,

I have one question and maybe you and the other members can shed some ideas on

how to educate the physician's and associates who work in the health field. The

number one problem that most physicians have is that they have a misconception

on those who suffer with chronic pain.

It is almost like they think that it is all in our minds and that we are seeking

drugs. This in my opinion is actual abusive to the patient. Let me tell you if

I had a chance to have one day in my life pain free, I would jump for joy and

cherish each minute. Living each and every day in pain is like hell on earth

and it takes every fiber in my body to try to manage it and cope with the help

of a doctor who cares and is knowledgeable about chronic pain. I would not wish

this upon any human being.

The issue is that they worry about addiction and dependency. Well first of all

if it gives that person a chance to function and give them a quality of life, so

be it. Does a physician stop giving insulin to a diabetic? (I think not)

Chronic pain is not something people wish for or want. This is a disease and

needs to be treated and manage. So how do we educate and help others who suffer

needlessly?

As a group we can do something, we have a voice and we all have communities that

desperately need to be aware and educated on this disease.

Thank you all for reading this if you have any input or ideas let's share them

and see what we can do.

/MN

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for your observations. As far as I am concerned you are right. However,

the question of whether a person should or shouldn't take narcotic pain

relievers is always left with the patient and his/her doctors. If your doctor

is not responsive, then ask your doctor for a referral to another doctor who is

known for chronic pain treatment.

I was married to an MD who had a very bad attitude toward anyone who took

narcotic pain relievers, and toward doctors who prescribed them. She saw

nothing but problems, and seldom would entertain the idea that anyone should

have such medications to live a normal life. She was one of the doctors who

would rather see you live with unendurable pain than have you take any narcotic.

And she will no longer prescribe such medications to anyone after two weeks of

recovery from surgery. The concept of anyone taking such medications on a long

term basis is absolutely abborhent to her.

That's why my marriage ended. Even though she was given ample opportunity to

voice her opinions at doctor's appointments, she refused to go with me. When

she did, she always agreed with the doctor publicly, but privately she found it

something to hammer me about constantly.

She is one of the doctors who make no difference between physical dependency and

addiction. And her opinion wasn't a minority opinion among our doctor friends

and her doctor peers.

I don't know what to do to make a difference except to share my own experiences

on a forum like this one. Though I no longer take narcotic pain relievers,

having found other ways to manage my pain, I do believe it is a proper choice

for some. Now how do we get medical doctors to share that opinion?

Ray Neal, moderator