Lately, I have felt overwhelmed by the onslaught to the American People who are finding it increasingly difficult to find relief via opiod pain meds. In the past, the Medical Community has viewed pain as a 5th symptom, something that made medication intervention a medical imperative, this is obviously no longer true, doctors all across the country have become hesitant to treat pain, it has become risky business to say the least.
Enough said on that, you have all read the sensational "News" about the fatal outcomes of kids, young adults and the fatalities as a result of prescription drug misuse, it is "sensational" reporting, there are far MORE fatalities as a result of alcohol, and countless "recreational drug" abuse incidents, homeless mothers across our country carrying "crack babies" are ignored, swept under the rug, too many of us have this NIMBY attitude, (Not In My Back Yard) but it IS, Methamphetamine, Crack, Herion, is rampant, and not just a "ghetto" problem...it is mainstream, folks with legitimate pain issues are increasingly becoming undermedicated, and ignored because of the risk for Doc's to make sound judgement calls. So, instead of feeling helpless, hopeless, disparing, DO something, our polititcians respond to letters, they do "Mail Counts" which will often determine their approach to an issue. Check out the "Drug Policy Alliance"...these folks are working toward you're RIGHT to sound and appropriate medical care, you can and should get active, even if you write just one letter to a Congressperson, or other local official, it could make a difference. Petitions are not difficult, you can google dozens of sites for a "How To" on petition writing. If you do not want to do this for yourself, do it for suffering children in this country who are fraught with painful disease and will be denied proper, palliative care due to this flagrant war on the Chronic pain sufferers. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to do this stuff, forget the "educationese" the "legalese" language, keep it simple and to the point. I have started a draft on my own petition, needless to say, at the end of the day, you will rest easier for having done your part.
Good luck, and have a pain free day!
David