Dr. Dustin Ballard: Jackson not alone in overuse of painkillers

How about we just treat people as human beings and let them be responsible for their own drug choices instead of having righteous obnoxious clowns lording over them like some kind of drug god denying them pain medication. The drug war has failed. Stop trying to keep it going. Free adults should be allowed to take whatever substance they want.

Samuel wrote:

How about we just treat people as human beings and let them be responsible for their own drug choices instead of having righteous obnoxious clowns lording over them like some kind of drug god denying them pain medication. The drug war has failed. Stop trying to keep it going. Free adults should be allowed to take whatever substance they want.

Exactly. This piece was taken directly from the DEA press strategy playbook! What utter nonsense.
The undertreatment of pain is a national catastrophe. Dr. Ballard, you need to think about whether you want to be a doctor or a cop. It appears you want to be a cop...well then turn in your medical license. Denying people pain treatment is torture. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Sure, do what ever you want. And while you're at it, pay for it yourself. You pay the thousands of dollars a month it costs to feed your habit, the thousands of dollars per ED visit to reverse your overdose, and pay for the ambulance rides, and the foster care for your neglected children, and your own funeral when you die prematurely. Pay for your welfare because you can't work, as well. Do what you want, but don't expect the working, productive people to pay for your problem. It's not free.

There has been so much in the media lately about this very subject and frankly, it scares those of us with chronic pain terribly. I suffered a serious workplace injury Nov/07 that disabled me and left me with chronic pain 24/7. Prior to this, I did not have so much as a bottle of Tylenol in my home. Now my pain meds are absolutely ESSENTIAL if I have any hope of quality of life.

The narcotics do not take the pain away entirely, but they do take the "edge" off and allow me to carry out the activities of daily living. If you look at reputable statistics, via the American Pain Foundation or Society-they indicate that many people with chronic pain are are either untreated or undertreated. Oh how I wish I did not need to take them, but the reality is-I do.

I think it is about time 2 things occurred. 1) better safe-guards put in place to ensure those that are prescibed narcotics are taking them exactly as scripted. Perhaps by way of blood or urine samples-counting pills etc. 2) More research needed to perhaps find a new analgesic that is effective at controlling pain and has less side-effects and addiction potential.

There will always be drug-addicts chasing after the so called "high" however those with legitimate chronic pain should NEVER be grouped in with the addicts. My greatest fear-as well as the fear of my fellow chronic pain sufferers is that these pain meds will be even harder to obtain. We don't want to get high/have a good time/escape our lives or what have you. WE SIMPLY WANT RELIEF FROM THE UNRELENTING PAIN THAT RULES OUR LIVES...

Jeannette-chronic pain sufferer
http://missingmythyroid.blogspot.com/

The good doctor may or may not be providing the needed compassionate treatment to his patients. Pain management for those in legitimate chronic pain has been weakened. I'm not sure why we deny palliative care to so many because some people have to game the system, but we do, because the only thing worse than being in pain, according to some docs is being in pain and addicted to the one thing that relieves the pain.

Samuel wrote:

How about we just treat people as human beings and let them be responsible for their own drug choices instead of having righteous obnoxious clowns lording over them like some kind of drug god denying them pain medication. The drug war has failed. Stop trying to keep it going. Free adults should be allowed to take whatever substance they want.

Couldn't have said it better myself. The all knowing "Dr." Ballard wants to be the judge and jury on whether I have real pain. What a goddamn pompous prick (you can just tell by the way he writes). Unfortunately, I've met a lot of people like Ballard.

God, and even worse, he's an ER physician, people who are generally are so stupid that they couldn't even find their own assholes with a flashlight and a map.

And the word "junkie," God, has there ever been a word invented that makes whoever says it sound so self-righteous?

Sarah wrote:

Sure, do what ever you want. And while you're at it, pay for it yourself. You pay the thousands of dollars a month it costs to feed your habit, the thousands of dollars per ED visit to reverse your overdose, and pay for the ambulance rides, and the foster care for your neglected children, and your own funeral when you die prematurely. Pay for your welfare because you can't work, as well. Do what you want, but don't expect the working, productive people to pay for your problem. It's not free.

The "working, productive people?" The irony is that you're probably a housewife.

And of course you're from Ohio so your opinion doesn't matter anyway. Ohio sucks, seriously. None of you people can drive, your state is flat and boring, and your cities are shitholes. Man Ohio blows.

Sad But True, my brother is facing a life sentence all because Oxycodone.

Sarah wrote:

Sure, do what ever you want. And while you're at it, pay for it yourself. You pay the thousands of dollars a month it costs to feed your habit, the thousands of dollars per ED visit to reverse your overdose, and pay for the ambulance rides, and the foster care for your neglected children, and your own funeral when you die prematurely. Pay for your welfare because you can't work, as well. Do what you want, but don't expect the working, productive people to pay for your problem. It's not free.

That is the most right wing conservative judgmental b.s I have heard since our former president left office. Excuse me please, do you want to make a switch for my body. I am 34years old and after years and years of treatments...all of them known to mankind. I happen to find some relief from pain meds which my lovely republican run state is trying to make impossible. It's funny you make such comments about welfare and child neglect. My daughter goes to a private school and gets straight A's obviously not a neglected child. My son is two and knows every letter, color, number and shape. All because yours truly. So guess what lady you can take pain meds and not be a worthless mother, like someone like you who makes comments like this about people who have to raise their children, run their homes, work as much as possible and thank you very much I am living on zero public funding despite the fact my husband served two tours in Iraq and I had to raise my two kids with my chronic pain issues yes now my spine is covered in tumors. Want to change places. Shut yo mouf lady...you are worse than a floridian...yuck

Jeannette wrote:

There has been so much in the media lately about this very subject and frankly, it scares those of us with chronic pain terribly. I suffered a serious workplace injury Nov/07 that disabled me and left me with chronic pain 24/7. Prior to this, I did not have so much as a bottle of Tylenol in my home. Now my pain meds are absolutely ESSENTIAL if I have any hope of quality of life.
The narcotics do not take the pain away entirely, but they do take the "edge" off and allow me to carry out the activities of daily living. If you look at reputable statistics, via the American Pain Foundation or Society-they indicate that many people with chronic pain are are either untreated or undertreated. Oh how I wish I did not need to take them, but the reality is-I do.
I think it is about time 2 things occurred. 1) better safe-guards put in place to ensure those that are prescibed narcotics are taking them exactly as scripted. Perhaps by way of blood or urine samples-counting pills etc. 2) More research needed to perhaps find a new analgesic that is effective at controlling pain and has less side-effects and addiction potential.
There will always be drug-addicts chasing after the so called "high" however those with legitimate chronic pain should NEVER be grouped in with the addicts. My greatest fear-as well as the fear of my fellow chronic pain sufferers is that these pain meds will be even harder to obtain. We don't want to get high/have a good time/escape our lives or what have you. WE SIMPLY WANT RELIEF FROM THE UNRELENTING PAIN THAT RULES OUR LIVES...
Jeannette-chronic pain sufferer
http://missingmythyroid.blogspot.com/

Jeannette,
What an good website you have going there! I could relate to a few things...thanx for taking the time to put yourself out there to encourage and educate. I especially appreciated reading the warning one. I truly have learned that I may not be an addict in the physical situation I am in, I just hurt to badly when I don't take pain med's, yes to the point of tears on some occasions, just like you have explained. I take vicodin for pain (by choice...yes I was given a choice) before the vicodin so many strong med's. Medication that I was fearful to take to a degree. Well I am not fearful anymore...I take way to much vicodin, as is the case considering tolerance. I go to the dr's soon, I am going to reconsider my options with pain control. I would much rather be taking one or two of something, than what I have been taking lately. This post was enlightening and encouraging...good of you to take time to post it!
Sincerely
Jeanette...I only have one N though.

Sarah wrote:

Sure, do what ever you want. And while you're at it, pay for it yourself. You pay the thousands of dollars a month it costs to feed your habit, the thousands of dollars per ED visit to reverse your overdose, and pay for the ambulance rides, and the foster care for your neglected children, and your own funeral when you die prematurely. Pay for your welfare because you can't work, as well. Do what you want, but don't expect the working, productive people to pay for your problem. It's not free.

You know not everbody needs a law to tell them to do the right thing. You should not judge the whole of the American people by your skewerd thinking.

Using your ridicoulous logic, I am against bicycles without training wheels. Why should I pay for these wreckless parents who would let a child ride a bike without training wheels?

I ama sick of it, I want a law to ban parents from providing these awful contraptions, to their kids, as everytime they fall off and need stiches it cost me money. Let them pay for their own blah, blah, fcking blah.

Do you know why the US Goverment outlawed opium and it's source products? It was to protect foolish people like you. I don't need a law to protect me from me, it sounds like you may have a little guilt trip going on there..lmao

Using your useless logic, we would all still be living in caves and eating raw meat, so evolve some realistic thinking before posting BS like this.

O yea...bite me cnt. Thats free..hahaha
piercit

The passion of Percit...Stick it to her bro.
Peace
HM

piercit wrote:

<quoted text>
You know not everbody needs a law to tell them to do the right thing. You should not judge the whole of the American people by your skewerd thinking.
Using your ridicoulous logic, I am against bicycles without training wheels. Why should I pay for these wreckless parents who would let a child ride a bike without training wheels?
I ama sick of it, I want a law to ban parents from providing these awful contraptions, to their kids, as everytime they fall off and need stiches it cost me money. Let them pay for their own blah, blah, fcking blah.
Do you know why the US Goverment outlawed opium and it's source products? It was to protect foolish people like you. I don't need a law to protect me from me, it sounds like you may have a little guilt trip going on there..lmao
Using your useless logic, we would all still be living in caves and eating raw meat, so evolve some realistic thinking before posting BS like this.
O yea...bite me cnt. Thats free..hahaha
piercit

As far as I know he was paying about 50K per month after his copays were up. I also believe he paid for health insurance. What's your point? Move to Australia or somewhere where everyone gets the same healthcare and shut up!
HM

Sarah wrote:

Sure, do what ever you want. And while you're at it, pay for it yourself. You pay the thousands of dollars a month it costs to feed your habit, the thousands of dollars per ED visit to reverse your overdose, and pay for the ambulance rides, and the foster care for your neglected children, and your own funeral when you die prematurely. Pay for your welfare because you can't work, as well. Do what you want, but don't expect the working, productive people to pay for your problem. It's not free.

Jeannette wrote:

There has been so much in the media lately about this very subject and frankly, it scares those of us with chronic pain terribly. I suffered a serious workplace injury Nov/07 that disabled me and left me with chronic pain 24/7. Prior to this, I did not have so much as a bottle of Tylenol in my home. Now my pain meds are absolutely ESSENTIAL if I have any hope of quality of life.
The narcotics do not take the pain away entirely, but they do take the "edge" off and allow me to carry out the activities of daily living. If you look at reputable statistics, via the American Pain Foundation or Society-they indicate that many people with chronic pain are are either untreated or undertreated. Oh how I wish I did not need to take them, but the reality is-I do.
I think it is about time 2 things occurred. 1) better safe-guards put in place to ensure those that are prescibed narcotics are taking them exactly as scripted. Perhaps by way of blood or urine samples-counting pills etc. 2) More research needed to perhaps find a new analgesic that is effective at controlling pain and has less side-effects and addiction potential.
There will always be drug-addicts chasing after the so called "high" however those with legitimate chronic pain should NEVER be grouped in with the addicts. My greatest fear-as well as the fear of my fellow chronic pain sufferers is that these pain meds will be even harder to obtain. We don't want to get high/have a good time/escape our lives or what have you. WE SIMPLY WANT RELIEF FROM THE UNRELENTING PAIN THAT RULES OUR LIVES...
Jeannette-chronic pain sufferer
http://missingmythyroid.blogspot.com/

The Pain Relief Network is the only responsible pain advocacy organization out there. The APF and APS are actually run by academic medicine and big pharma. It is fine with them that the FDA is banning Percocet and Vicodin. People in pain need to wake up. Look at all the horrible comments placed on this board aimed at drumming up popular opposition to your very existence.
Come join PRN and exercise your rights...
Siobhan Reynolds
Pain Relief Network

piercit wrote:

<quoted text>
You know not everbody needs a law to tell them to do the right thing. You should not judge the whole of the American people by your skewerd thinking.
Using your ridicoulous logic, I am against bicycles without training wheels. Why should I pay for these wreckless parents who would let a child ride a bike without training wheels?
I ama sick of it, I want a law to ban parents from providing these awful contraptions, to their kids, as everytime they fall off and need stiches it cost me money. Let them pay for their own blah, blah, fcking blah.
Do you know why the US Goverment outlawed opium and it's source products? It was to protect foolish people like you. I don't need a law to protect me from me, it sounds like you may have a little guilt trip going on there..lmao
Using your useless logic, we would all still be living in caves and eating raw meat, so evolve some realistic thinking before posting BS like this.
O yea...bite me cnt. Thats free..hahaha
piercit

Do you realize she is saying the same thing you are but in a different way. No Piercit nothing in life is free, there is a price to pay for everything, but if you get into someone's business you may find out things you don't particularly like...so be it. I don't apologize for saying these things to you. Your way hard on some...and for what? Whoever is using or abusing your frienship that's who you should be having it out with. I hope things look up for you in all area's of your life...I really do, but please stop with all the crude behavior for sometimes absolutely no reason. Sorry, I don't wanna keep up with that thread either. I don't like to expand on to many things, and I feel as though someone is trying to draw something out of me, not you (don't know who started the thread) I know you didn't... but, regardless. I'm allowed to be sick of things to, ya know...and I like to think I choose my friends wisely. I wish you well in life.
Sincerely
Jeanette

Jeanette,

You have a certain right to your opionons and I belive I do to.

I make no apologies as I am against archaic drug laws that punish people for doing no more than what people who abuse alcohol, do to themselves.

If you look at history, the law of supply and demand, the money being spent for enforcement and incarceration as opposed to treating addiction as the health problem it is, the current logic being used to treat pain patients including yourself, as you must realize right now that by taking large amounts of tylenol, just for appearance purposes, you are injuring yourself, you may feel differently. I weigh all these factors into an opinion, not just my personal experience with LE or any other personal experiences.

Jeanette I do not expect everybody to like me, I don't care if they do, I do not expect anything from you and there is no reason to post to anything I say, so lets go on our way, and like Nickos says finish it and be finished.

Take care and have a great day,
peace
piercit

Unfortunately, in the rush to prevent addicts, people who are in genuine pain are penalized severely. Just ask any pharmacist. Both pharmacists and doctors who specialise in pain management are under tremendous scrutiny and sometimes they are forced to underprescribe because of it.

All this means is that people in terrible pain are the scapegoats because we are more worried about addicts than them.

What a terrible choice.

The DEA is now against patients ordering controlled substances through legitimate mail order pharmacies, where people order to save money. Just one more barrier for patients in dire need.

This is why I am a Libertarian. You can't stop people from self-destructing at all. They will find a way. But you should not cause desperation in patients who are truly in so much pain. Sometimes they commit suicide to stop the pain.

Piercit quoted:(partial post)

If you look at history, the law of supply and demand, the money being spent for enforcement and incarceration as opposed to treating addiction as the health problem it is, the current logic being used to treat pain patients including yourself, as you must realize right now that by taking large amounts of tylenol, just for appearance purposes, you are injuring yourself, you may feel differently. I weigh all these factors into an opinion, not just my personal experience with LE or any other personal experiences.

Now I'm pissed I shared something with you in confidence...ie: extra vicodin (yes I am aware of my own personal consequences (on my body) and you go on to quote "for appearance purposes...I am in pain u dipshit! I know what i am doing to myself, and it is not for appearance purposes, you have alot of nerve!...I'm really pissed now, I have never fronted you off about anything you have told me in private...name. etc...now you really better leave me alone. You can't get to me, cause there is nothing to get to...STEP! You have told me you weren't LE so I am not disrespecting you, but you are wrong about me, and I was so very wrong about you, and your fake kindness to me!!!!

Be Careful wrote:

Unfortunately, in the rush to prevent addicts, people who are in genuine pain are penalized severely. Just ask any pharmacist. Both pharmacists and doctors who specialise in pain management are under tremendous scrutiny and sometimes they are forced to underprescribe because of it.
All this means is that people in terrible pain are the scapegoats because we are more worried about addicts than them.
What a terrible choice.
The DEA is now against patients ordering controlled substances through legitimate mail order pharmacies, where people order to save money. Just one more barrier for patients in dire need.
This is why I am a Libertarian. You can't stop people from self-destructing at all. They will find a way. But you should not cause desperation in patients who are truly in so much pain. Sometimes they commit suicide to stop the pain.

Can't we just be against the DEA?

Siobhan Reynolds wrote:

<quoted text>
Exactly. This piece was taken directly from the DEA press strategy playbook! What utter nonsense.
The undertreatment of pain is a national catastrophe. Dr. Ballard, you need to think about whether you want to be a doctor or a cop. It appears you want to be a cop...well then turn in your medical license. Denying people pain treatment is torture. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Siobhan Reynolds and Samual, I could have not said it better, your comments were straight to the point and so true. I did not ask for my IP and wish I didnt have it .Some things in life we dont get to make the choice to have it or reject it.Lord knows all IP or CP ptients would "REJECT IT".Taking medicine $ucks ,but living a somewhat normal life with it is so much greater.
To be able to enjoy life the best you can ,is so worth taking meds just to live and fuction like others, close to. Stop the street drugs pushed on our kids and let the cp-ip patients alone and let them be treated as any other patient w/ a disease . "YES IT IS A DISEASE" .Live it ,I hope not,learn it, YES. "UNDERSTAND IT" WE HOPE ..Thank the man above you dont have it ,like cancer or any other disease !!!Get It..