There have been growing discussions about the "opioid" crisis in the United States resulting in even stricter guidelines for those who prescribe and take opioid medications. The CDC, FDA and DEA believe that their usage does not outweigh the potential risks, not to mention the increasing numbers of addiction issues and overdoses every year. However, making it harder to access these crucial medications are the last resort for many people. People who use opiates illegally will continue to do so, making it that much harder for current physicians and patients who do utilize these medications appropriately.
As a pain patient, there is already a large stigma against us regards to receiving care for pain
management. We are often viewed as "drug seekers" or "addicted" because we need opioids to control such severe pain. I am only 28 years old, but have endured 24 surgeries with a majority of those being in the last 5-6 years alone. I am currently facing 1-2 more surgeries in the near future. I need narcotic medication to control severe pain and to allow me to even function on a limited level. I have a rare, connective tissue disorder that effects everything from dislocating joints, poor healing, frequent and severe infections, nerve damage and even heart valve leaks to name just some of what I endure. Narcotic medication is only part of my medical care. I have been and am a continuous patient in physical therapy trying to strengthen and maintain my body as much as one can as their body breaks down around them. I also have a spinal cord stimulator that helps in managing a chronic and severe pain condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, where even the lightest touch can make you feel as if your body was lit on fire. I take nerve medication, undergo injections, take NSAIDs and am a compliant patient in regards to my medical care. But, I need narcotic medications to allow me to heal from surgery, continue my therapy and be able to function, even in a limited context.
Reading through the new guidelines the CDC proposed in regards to limiting opioid usage broke my heart. I do believe those with addiction issues need help and a great emphasis on mental health needs to be made, but not in the place of pain patient needs. Physician education should also be a larger role than what was advised in caring for patients with chronic needs. As a current pain patient, I am subject to random drug screens (which I have to pay for), random pill counts, one pharmacy to fill my prescriptions through and must keep my doctor informed of ER visits or any other doctor, such as my orthopedic surgeons, who may write a prescription for narcotic medication. I have been a fully compliant patient and have not broken or abused the already stringent process needed so that I may receive pain treatment. Adding more guidelines doesn't necessarily solve the overall issue, but it will make the job for the physicians who still write opioid prescriptions harder and it will cause a greater burden to patients who already have to fight for everything. For patients like myself, a trip to the dentist is even a larger ordeal than most because my genetic condition causes an issue with local anesthetics where it makes them ineffective or you need a larger dose than recommended for even temporary relief. It makes surgeries and already difficult treatment that much harder. Adding more roadblocks is an undue burden we should not have to carry.
Chronic pain patients are much stronger than the public gives us credit. We are able to smile through the pain, when all we really want to do is cry. Despite being at a level of pain which most other people would curl in a ball and quit, we have to keep pushing. We do not "want" to be like this and if we could trade receiving pain medication for the condition that causes the pain, we would without hesitation. When considering how to help those with addiction issues, or any mental health issue, please do not also forget about those of us who need these medications as well...
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