Michele, I authored the opinion to which you responded and I wish to add that I have been through the alternatives you suggested along with many others. The TENS device, acupuncture, a wide variety of various PTs and an assortment of non-opiate medications. My doctor specializes in Pain Management through use of all treatment opportunities from surgery to pain management via narcotic therapy. He has over 30 years of experience and is a product of Duke University and their medical programs there. His practice is very strict, and only patients from regional Primary Care physicians or other specialists who are unable to further assist in helping their patients may refer. There is no tolerance for mis-use or abuse when in the program. Patients are subjected to regular, mandatory drug tests, prescription counts, etc but his practice is the last line for those without other options. I can assure you my quality of life is improved and I am able to participate in the lives of my children and perform other responsibilities expected from a member of society. Without this therapy, my life would be extremely depressing. It frustrates me that those who have not experienced what I have had to go through make these sorts of decisions based on, primarily, the actions of those who abuse drugs, commit crimes and otherwise are without any responsibility to those actions. And I know many folks in my circle of patient support groups who feel the same way. They feel they are not being represented but instead our government is reacting to a negative situation instead of looking at the thousands of lives that have been saved or improved through opiate pain management. It's a bit of a disappointment. Sincerely.
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Michele, I authored the opinion to which you responded and I wish to add that I have been through the alternatives you suggested along with many others. The TENS device, acupuncture, a wide variety of various PTs and an assortment of non-opiate medications. My doctor specializes in Pain Management through use of all treatment opportunities from surgery to pain management via narcotic therapy. He has over 30 years of experience and is a product of Duke University and their medical programs there. His practice is very strict, and only patients from regional Primary Care physicians or other specialists who are unable to further assist in helping their patients may refer. There is no tolerance for mis-use or abuse when in the program. Patients are subjected to regular, mandatory drug tests, prescription counts, etc but his practice is the last line for those without other options. I can assure you my quality of life is improved and I am able to participate in the lives of my children and perform other responsibilities expected from a member of society. Without this therapy, my life would be extremely depressing. It frustrates me that those who have not experienced what I have had to go through make these sorts of decisions based on, primarily, the actions of those who abuse drugs, commit crimes and otherwise are without any responsibility to those actions. And I know many folks in my circle of patient support groups who feel the same way. They feel they are not being represented but instead our government is reacting to a negative situation instead of looking at the thousands of lives that have been saved or improved through opiate pain management. It's a bit of a disappointment. Sincerely.
March 19, 2016 - 5:26pmThis Comment
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