Nailed It

[docbrite]

I just read something on this blog that, for me, sums up the problem with pain management in the U.S. The entry discusses a new time-release hydrocodone-based painkiller that some people oppose because "abusers" might crush and snort it:

[I]t is maybe not the coolest thing to render invisible folks who might need or benefit from the medication by

Comments

[teal_cuttlefish]

I have a diagnosis of Chronic Intractable Pain. I take mscontin, which is slow release morphine. Like anyone dependent on a narcotic, sometimes my body adjusts to the dose and I wind up having to ask for a dosage increase. Last time, the pain had to get to the point where I was in tears at the doctor's office before they would increase my dosage by a whole 25%. The doctor said "We don't want to increase your dosage too much, you could live to be 90!" I answered, in tears "Not in this much pain, I won't

[carmy_w]

I think that some serious study needs to be taken with regards to pain management techniques in general, and MJ in particular as an avenue of treatment.
My husband is one of those rare men who has fibromyalgia. He takes Lyrica to keep the ache down, but I've heard some stuff about THC working as well as the various drugs. If it does the job without the bad side effects of Lyrica, Savella, etc., this would be a very good thing.
Most of the current field of drugs work on slowing pain receptors, so they work the same way anti-depressants do. But, as with my husband, a lot of times they throw the chemical balances in the brain out of whack, and cause depression, rages, etc., or else they make him so foggy he can't work.

[mizliz]

This is a fucking Puritan country, doncha know. We're supposed to ENDURE our pain as our lot in life. Who are we to question what the Almighty has sent? You want relief? Try prayer.

I wish I thought this was overstating, but I hear this kind of attitude all.the.time., even though I'm fortunate enough not to need pain meds.

The idea that someone, somewhere might every once in a while get just a leeeetle high, while simultaneously not experiencing crushing chronic pain, is just too much for some.

[elialshadowpine]

Fucking HELL this.

Who cares about chronic pain patients? Obviously potential drug addicts are a much bigger concern. Dear fucking hell.

[wytchcroft]

vested interests and money. all it is. all it's ever been.