Comments on: OxyContin and the Opium Epidemic of the 21st Century http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html Your one-stop-shop for information on recalled consumer products, pharmaceutical drugs alerts, health supplements recalls, recalled vehicles, automotive parts, boats and more. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:12:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Rebecca http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-23647 Rebecca Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:47:46 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-23647 I am a nurse employed at a community hospital in an affluent suburb of the Gulf Coast of Florida since the 1990's. I agree with much of what I have read, and especially liked the comment that "pain" is now treated as if it were a disease in of itself (which it is not). I am heart-sick over our/my participation in the abuse of opiates seen in this arena. All to frequently we see chronic pain patients (typical home meds are oxycontin, roxycodone, soma, xanax) admitted a week or so before they can renew their prescriptions. I believe we are helping them to cheat on their pain management contract by adding to their opiate supply. If a patient presents to the ED with a complaint of chest pain or abdominal pain (example) and are admitted for an expensive work-up, it is not unusual to find oneself giving 1-4mg of IV dilaudid every 2-4 hours. Ten years ago this is what I might (cautiously) give a dying bone-cancer. Apparently achieving a state of unconsciousness, only interrupted by toileting and meals appears to be an acceptable goal for patients if their vital signs are stable. Attempts to reduce frequency of doses in extreme cases can result in patients complaining about care to administration, staged falls, new "chest pain" or whatever it takes to increase the dose or extend the hospital stay... in a nutshell, in order to have time to care for the patient who is actually trying to survive a heart attack, the path of least resistance (medicating the squeaky wheel) is the only logical choice. This is not HEALTH CARE as I envisioned it, in fact it is exactly the opposite. Terminal sedation should be reserved for terminally ill patients. Pain medications that immobilize and endanger patients, ruin their health and the lives of those around them It is wrong, wrong, wrong... And, yes, I am toying with the idea of taking my considerable life-saving nursing skills to Hospice or quitting the profession altogether so I live with myself! I am a nurse employed at a community hospital in an affluent suburb of the Gulf Coast of Florida since the 1990′s. I agree with much of what I have read, and especially liked the comment that “pain” is now treated as if it were a disease in of itself (which it is not). I am heart-sick over our/my participation in the abuse of opiates seen in this arena. All to frequently we see chronic pain patients (typical home meds are oxycontin, roxycodone, soma, xanax) admitted a week or so before they can renew their prescriptions. I believe we are helping them to cheat on their pain management contract by adding to their opiate supply. If a patient presents to the ED with a complaint of chest pain or abdominal pain (example) and are admitted for an expensive work-up, it is not unusual to find oneself giving 1-4mg of IV dilaudid every 2-4 hours. Ten years ago this is what I might (cautiously) give a dying bone-cancer. Apparently achieving a state of unconsciousness, only interrupted by toileting and meals appears to be an acceptable goal for patients if their vital signs are stable. Attempts to reduce frequency of doses in extreme cases can result in patients complaining about care to administration, staged falls, new “chest pain” or whatever it takes to increase the dose or extend the hospital stay… in a nutshell, in order to have time to care for the patient who is actually trying to survive a heart attack, the path of least resistance (medicating the squeaky wheel) is the only logical choice. This is not HEALTH CARE as I envisioned it, in fact it is exactly the opposite. Terminal sedation should be reserved for terminally ill patients. Pain medications that immobilize and endanger patients, ruin their health and the lives of those around them It is wrong, wrong, wrong… And, yes, I am toying with the idea of taking my considerable life-saving nursing skills to Hospice or quitting the profession altogether so I live with myself!

]]> By: cheryl http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-23283 cheryl Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:55:38 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-23283 My son was introduced to Oxycontin by his ex-girlfriend over one year ago. I saw a change. It was like the light in his eyes was switched off. His behaviour changed. He became aggressive, angry, and although he receives good paychecks was always broke. We suspected drugs and confronted him, but could never pin point the problem. Finally over 20,000 dollars of jewellry was stolen from our home. That started a closer scrutiny and police detective involvement. Eventually the girlfriend admitted she had stolen from us to pay drug debts. After months of turmoil in our home, we finally determined that our son has an Oxycontin addiction. Life hasn't settled since. Money has been stolen along with cars and valuables all to feed this evil habit. He has promised to detox and attemped 5 times. All-the-while he has gouged at his face, arms and legs. Has oozing sores all over his body. We have lived a life with fear of suicide, heart attack and even our own safety. Never would I have thought that a honors student, who never once walked in a principals office or got into fights or caused any grief to family--would fall so far down into a dark hole. I have spoken to police, interventionists, councellors, nurses and doctors--they have all said this is the worst drug to ever try to detox from. Once you try it - it grabs your soul. The Purdue Drug Company, along with pharmacies, doctors must compile a national data base to monitor frequency of prescriptions. There are people without morals--faking pain, pretending prescriptions are lost or stolen, and selling this drug to our young people to supplement their heartless lifestyles. This drug is too easily found throughout communities and is quickly consuming bright young lives. Until some abuse prevention measures are taken, the FDA should impede the PRODUCTION OF THIS HARMFUL DRUG NOW! My son was introduced to Oxycontin by his ex-girlfriend over one year ago. I saw a change. It was like the light in his eyes was switched off. His behaviour changed. He became aggressive, angry, and although he receives good paychecks was always broke. We suspected drugs and confronted him, but could never pin point the problem. Finally over 20,000 dollars of jewellry was stolen from our home. That started a closer scrutiny and police detective involvement. Eventually the girlfriend admitted she had stolen from us to pay drug debts. After months of turmoil in our home, we finally determined that our son has an Oxycontin addiction. Life hasn’t settled since. Money has been stolen along with cars and valuables all to feed this evil habit. He has promised to detox and attemped 5 times. All-the-while he has gouged at his face, arms and legs. Has oozing sores all over his body. We have lived a life with fear of suicide, heart attack and even our own safety. Never would I have thought that a honors student, who never once walked in a principals office or got into fights or caused any grief to family–would fall so far down into a dark hole. I have spoken to police, interventionists, councellors, nurses and doctors–they have all said this is the worst drug to ever try to detox from. Once you try it – it grabs your soul.

The Purdue Drug Company, along with pharmacies, doctors must compile a national data base to monitor frequency of prescriptions. There are people without morals–faking pain, pretending prescriptions are lost or stolen, and selling this drug to our young people to supplement their heartless lifestyles. This drug is too easily found throughout communities and is quickly consuming bright young lives. Until some abuse prevention measures are taken, the FDA should impede the PRODUCTION OF THIS HARMFUL DRUG NOW!

]]> By: MWL http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-23281 MWL Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:20:16 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-23281 Larry fails to recognize the basic point which Randy (and others) are trying to convey - Bottom line being; it is questionable whether one can consider a self inflicted, consentual lifestyle of drug abuse an EPIDEMIC, especially when you contrast these drug abuse deaths with actual evils of humanity as randy mentioned; mass murder, slavery, starvation, all true epidemics in which those affected have no choice in the matter, and are either deprived involuntarily of life, liberty, property, etc. Drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction - These are not "diseases" or "viruses", and are not contagious or infectious. Opioids are not bacilli or biological weapons which travel the air and infect people against their will. If my neighbor uses heroin, there is no chance of a stray heroin "germ" floating into my yard and infecting me. Likewise, drugs have no capacity to destroy communities or people themselves. People destroy their own communities, and people destroy themselves. You actively practice what I call Voodoo Pharmacology; a superstitious notion that characterizes drugs themselves as powerful, supernatural, and inherently evil; capable of "enslaving" individuals. It's all unintelligent rhetoric, and frankly it's bullshit. Larry fails to recognize the basic point which Randy (and others) are trying to convey – Bottom line being; it is questionable whether one can consider a self inflicted, consentual lifestyle of drug abuse an EPIDEMIC, especially when you contrast these drug abuse deaths with actual evils of humanity as randy mentioned; mass murder, slavery, starvation, all true epidemics in which those affected have no choice in the matter, and are either deprived involuntarily of life, liberty, property, etc.

Drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction – These are not “diseases” or “viruses”, and are not contagious or infectious. Opioids are not bacilli or biological weapons which travel the air and infect people against their will. If my neighbor uses heroin, there is no chance of a stray heroin “germ” floating into my yard and infecting me. Likewise, drugs have no capacity to destroy communities or people themselves. People destroy their own communities, and people destroy themselves. You actively practice what I call Voodoo Pharmacology; a superstitious notion that characterizes drugs themselves as powerful, supernatural, and inherently evil; capable of “enslaving” individuals.

It’s all unintelligent rhetoric, and frankly it’s bullshit.

]]> By: Hanna http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-20650 Hanna Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:50:49 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-20650 I think that if you take oxycotin then its ur owen problem not everyone esle because once or on something its hard too to quit what ur doing and on some people it could create a physcaial and psychological problems. Soo teenes and alduts you can do some much better than taken oxycotin because one day you can realy make something of urslef. :) I think that if you take oxycotin then its ur owen problem not everyone esle because once or on something its hard too to quit what ur doing and on some people it could create a physcaial and psychological problems. Soo teenes and alduts you can do some much better than taken oxycotin because one day you can realy make something of urslef. :)

]]> By: SAM http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-9103 SAM Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:53:34 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-9103 good stuff for my project thanks :D good stuff for my project thanks :D

]]> By: Carlos http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-9100 Carlos Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:01:51 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-9100 Good night, Happy Fool's Day!! As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!" "Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!" Happy April Fool's Day! Good night, Happy Fool’s Day!!

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him, “Herman, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!”
“Heck,” said Herman, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

Happy April Fool’s Day!

]]> By: carol http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-8343 carol Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:04:10 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-8343 sorry I cant assist you right now please discard previous comments as my back is killing me from sitting up so long I wll redo tommorow as I guess this is just company trying to out do another company. sorry I cant assist you right now please discard previous comments as my back is killing me from sitting up so long I wll redo tommorow as I guess this is just company trying to out do another company.

]]> By: carol http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-8334 carol Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:32:39 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-8334 I have read these articles for days now and I started throwing some questions in the back of my mind at my lap top. See acouple of years ago I was veiwing a program on etv Ithink it was nova and they were talking about cobra venom being used in oxycontin so I decided to ask my good buddy here the scientific properties of oxycontin .Well it just so happened it is Cobra venom I found this to be very upsetting as I remembered the insurance company (medicare) not wanting to pay for the oxycontin due to the price so I was switched to 75 mg fentanal patches with 7.5 mlligrams of hydrocodone for break through pain whiched caused my ankles to swell the size of my knees,so they changed it to morphine this did the same as the phentanl with lttle or no pain relief . so back t o oxycontin it was. this has been quite some time ago. point being the oxycontin had a signifacant amount of better pain killer than the other opiates this leaves me with the impression being the addict Ihave turned into from merely using and opiate of any type or amount for the last 15 years as it was 15 years ago that I had my spinal surgery and knowing from expierence what the opiate has done to me as a human being in every way possible mentally, emotionally,PHYSICALLY and MEDICALLY not to mention the devstation it has done to me money wise and to my insurance . Now bottom line some man by the name of Deitsech that works as a biotechnoligist? has just come up with a medication called cobroxin over the counter and nyloxin prescription strenth and at a very affordable PRICE! is non narcotic! and 600 times stronger than morphine so Ive read. Its scientific properties are once again cobra venom! If this is infact true ! I imagine all you true addicts that want to be opiate free due to the amount of bone and muscle pain by it self that you came across trying to get off of this money maker called oxycontin fda and dea has let slip into society through the hands of our trusted medical doctors by yourself like I did not knowing what withdrawl was Will love to here this! as it seems to me this has establhished the fact the opiate was infact put in oxycontin to not only to promote sales but to INSURE sales with its addictive properties? Does any body out there get the feeling I get? And does any body know a good attorney in south carolina? I have read these articles for days now and I started throwing some questions in the back of my mind at my lap top. See acouple of years ago I was veiwing a program on etv Ithink it was nova and they were talking about cobra venom being used in oxycontin so I decided to ask my good buddy here the scientific properties of oxycontin .Well it just so happened it is Cobra venom I found this to be very upsetting as I remembered the insurance company (medicare) not wanting to pay for the oxycontin due to the price so I was switched to 75 mg fentanal patches with 7.5 mlligrams of hydrocodone for break through pain whiched caused my ankles to swell the size of my knees,so they changed it to morphine this did the same as the phentanl with lttle or no pain relief . so back t o oxycontin it was. this has been quite some time ago. point being the oxycontin had a signifacant amount of better pain killer than the other opiates this leaves me with the impression being the addict Ihave turned into from merely using and opiate of any type or amount for the last 15 years as it was 15 years ago that I had my spinal surgery and knowing from expierence what the opiate has done to me as a human being in every way possible mentally, emotionally,PHYSICALLY and MEDICALLY not to mention the devstation it has done to me money wise and to my insurance . Now bottom line some man by the name of Deitsech that works as a biotechnoligist? has just come up with a medication called cobroxin over the counter and nyloxin prescription strenth and at a very affordable PRICE! is non narcotic! and 600 times stronger than morphine so Ive read. Its scientific properties are once again cobra venom! If this is infact true ! I imagine all you true addicts that want to be opiate free due to the amount of bone and muscle pain by it self that you came across trying to get off of this money maker called oxycontin fda and dea has let slip into society through the hands of our trusted medical doctors by yourself like I did not knowing what withdrawl was Will love to here this! as it seems to me this has establhished the fact the opiate was infact put in oxycontin to not only to promote sales but to INSURE sales with its addictive properties? Does any body out there get the feeling I get? And does any body know a good attorney in south carolina?

]]> By: E. Sizemore http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-7873 E. Sizemore Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:16:28 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-7873 RE: Tudo... Ohh, no it couldn't have anything to do with our national security or the fact that the folks who flew into our buildings were trained at terrorists camps in Afghanistan, or the fact that another quasi-religious theocracy gone amok in the Middle East might be the straw that breaks the camels back. No... Obama is a drug dealer. That explains it. You're an idiot. RE: Tudo…

Ohh, no it couldn’t have anything to do with our national security or the fact that the folks who flew into our buildings were trained at terrorists camps in Afghanistan, or the fact that another quasi-religious theocracy gone amok in the Middle East might be the straw that breaks the camels back. No… Obama is a drug dealer. That explains it.

You’re an idiot.

]]> By: Tudo http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-7871 Tudo Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:18:03 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-7871 Now you know why the government has troops in afghanistan. Enjoy the change. Now you know why the government has troops in afghanistan. Enjoy the change.

]]> By: A Twenty First Century Drug Addiction « DadOnFire http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-7529 A Twenty First Century Drug Addiction « DadOnFire Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:22:15 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-7529 [...] 18, 2009 in Drug Addiction, Heroin, Statistics OxyContin and the Opium Epidemic of the 21st Century.  Larry G. of Prescription Addiction Radio wrote this piece early in 2009 to bring attention to [...] [...] 18, 2009 in Drug Addiction, Heroin, Statistics OxyContin and the Opium Epidemic of the 21st Century.  Larry G. of Prescription Addiction Radio wrote this piece early in 2009 to bring attention to [...]

]]> By: John Guarisco http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-6428 John Guarisco Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:53:10 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-6428 I couldn't agree with you more. This is an epidemic beyond any thing one could imagine. I can't talk with 20 families without hearing the sad story of prescription addiction. The pharm companies are heartless. I believe there is a place for pain killers, but narcotic patients should be required to register with picture id, and social security so they can not doctor shop. It is a simple solution, but the big companies lobby against it. They will lose billions if the street sales are cut off. It is sad. I couldn’t agree with you more. This is an epidemic beyond any thing one could imagine. I can’t talk with 20 families without hearing the sad story of prescription addiction. The pharm companies are heartless. I believe there is a place for pain killers, but narcotic patients should be required to register with picture id, and social security so they can not doctor shop. It is a simple solution, but the big companies lobby against it. They will lose billions if the street sales are cut off. It is sad.

]]> By: E. Sizemore http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-5816 E. Sizemore Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:27:17 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-5816 Thank you for a great response Robert C. I'm looking for someone to write an opposing viewpoint to Mr. Golbom's editorials. Feel free to contact me in regard to this if you are interested. This post is an editorial written by a guest writer who is concerned about "abuse" of these drugs. Note the word "abuse" and not "use". I hope that I never have to know the pain you are going through. And I hope it gets better for you. Sincerely, Everett Thank you for a great response Robert C. I’m looking for someone to write an opposing viewpoint to Mr. Golbom’s editorials. Feel free to contact me in regard to this if you are interested.

This post is an editorial written by a guest writer who is concerned about “abuse” of these drugs. Note the word “abuse” and not “use”.

I hope that I never have to know the pain you are going through. And I hope it gets better for you.

Sincerely,

Everett

]]> By: Robert C http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-5812 Robert C Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:28 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-5812 I'm now 47yrs old and have been taking strong pain meds for close to 10yrs. I always worked very hard, always on time and received various awards for this. One day March 30, 1990 at 5pm I will never forget the time and date. I suffered an injury that ruined my life, I just didn't know how bad it was ruined at the time. While working overtime because peoples lights were out I fell 40ft, hit a stop sign with my left arm before slamming into the concrete and shattering a vertebrae along with a huge number of other injuries, especially my spinal cord and other back injuries. I had fallen off a power pole when the wood broke under my gaff. I was immediately paralyzed from the waist down. I wanted to get up! I always worked out and usually ran 3 to 4 miles after lifting weights for a couple of hours at least 3 times a week. The surgeon didn't think I would ever walk again and a good chance I would die. I was paralyzed from the waist down. I had extensive and multiple surgeries to make repairs. I refused pain medication while in the hospital and only took Tylenol #3 sparingly after I went home after close to 2 months in the hospital. I knew the stigma some people have about pain medication, they look down on them so I refused to take any. I worked hard in physical rehab. They wanted me to learn how to deal with being disabled! I refused and pushed them because I was going to walk again if possible. I did and was able to climb power poles again. I continued to just work hard, I ignored pain! I got back to working about 25hrs of overtime every week. Then as the days, weeks and months went by I noticed my legs were getting weak and I was hurting more. I went to the doctor, he did more x-rays. After seeing him a few more times he said more surgery wouldn't help, he sent me to a pain mgmt doctor. He increased my meds a little and it helped. After a while the pain was worse, he gave me more. I changed jobs because the pain was worse and my legs were weaker. I needed to cross a street at work, I fell flat on my face due to pain and weakness. The pain got worse and I was having a hard time walking. He gave me stronger pain meds so I could walk. It got worse, I had more surgery, I could no longer work but the pain is worse and I now have a very hard time walking from one room to another. Guess what? The pain is still getting worse! I'm not saying medication is the answer. My doctor doesn't say this either. Pain medication has allowed me quite a few years where I still felt I could do things a normal person does. Believe me, when you are young, walk with a walker, crutches or on a really good day just a cane. You aren't treated normal. So why don't you people that think a broken leg or a severe sprain is bad pain get off your high horse and quit putting us down and work as hard to come up with something better? I HATE taking pain medication, if I don't I can only lay in pain 24/7. Give me a choice that works! I loved playing sports, lifting weights etc. I loved how the physical exertion felt. I can't do it anymore, currently I have severe pain over most of my body but the worst is my lower left back, hip and leg. If I raise my leg the pain is so severe it knocks me to the ground. My lower mid back has pain as if someone pounded me with a hammer. I'm not saying the meds are the answer, they aren't. But, that's my only option to reduce the pain. I talk to my doctor about how if I was an animal they would put me down. He said they don't do that to humans because we're worth more. Sure if funny how he's one of the few that really cares while others only want to say how people in pain should just deal with it and you have the nerve to call the doctors dealers! The medication kills people??!! WHAAAAT??!!! If it wasn't for the medication believe me the suicide rate would be much higher. But then you goody two shoes would be able to say "Look at the drugs we took away, aren't we great!" . I guess you think it's okay if the person kills themselves for any reason other than pain medication is just fine and you can sleep at night. It's okay since the person that killed themselves because they could no longer deal with the pain wasn't related to you. With the way you think that would likely be okay also. Ever wonder why elderly people want the ability to die with dignity? They are usually in excruciating pain. But then again, you that don't deal with pain surely know what's best for all of us after all, harump we only have pain! We thousands of good people are good as the rest of you, only we have extreme pain and want our pain to be tolerable. Surely there must be something you could compare. Guess what? There's not.... we pain people were all as normal as you at one time, let's see what YOU do if you ever have this pain. You will cry for compassion also. I’m now 47yrs old and have been taking strong pain meds for close to 10yrs. I always worked very hard, always on time and received various awards for this. One day March 30, 1990 at 5pm I will never forget the time and date. I suffered an injury that ruined my life, I just didn’t know how bad it was ruined at the time. While working overtime because peoples lights were out I fell 40ft, hit a stop sign with my left arm before slamming into the concrete and shattering a vertebrae along with a huge number of other injuries, especially my spinal cord and other back injuries. I had fallen off a power pole when the wood broke under my gaff. I was immediately paralyzed from the waist down. I wanted to get up! I always worked out and usually ran 3 to 4 miles after lifting weights for a couple of hours at least 3 times a week. The surgeon didn’t think I would ever walk again and a good chance I would die. I was paralyzed from the waist down. I had extensive and multiple surgeries to make repairs. I refused pain medication while in the hospital and only took Tylenol #3 sparingly after I went home after close to 2 months in the hospital. I knew the stigma some people have about pain medication, they look down on them so I refused to take any. I worked hard in physical rehab. They wanted me to learn how to deal with being disabled! I refused and pushed them because I was going to walk again if possible. I did and was able to climb power poles again. I continued to just work hard, I ignored pain! I got back to working about 25hrs of overtime every week. Then as the days, weeks and months went by I noticed my legs were getting weak and I was hurting more. I went to the doctor, he did more x-rays. After seeing him a few more times he said more surgery wouldn’t help, he sent me to a pain mgmt doctor. He increased my meds a little and it helped. After a while the pain was worse, he gave me more. I changed jobs because the pain was worse and my legs were weaker. I needed to cross a street at work, I fell flat on my face due to pain and weakness. The pain got worse and I was having a hard time walking. He gave me stronger pain meds so I could walk. It got worse, I had more surgery, I could no longer work but the pain is worse and I now have a very hard time walking from one room to another. Guess what? The pain is still getting worse! I’m not saying medication is the answer. My doctor doesn’t say this either. Pain medication has allowed me quite a few years where I still felt I could do things a normal person does. Believe me, when you are young, walk with a walker, crutches or on a really good day just a cane. You aren’t treated normal. So why don’t you people that think a broken leg or a severe sprain is bad pain get off your high horse and quit putting us down and work as hard to come up with something better? I HATE taking pain medication, if I don’t I can only lay in pain 24/7. Give me a choice that works! I loved playing sports, lifting weights etc. I loved how the physical exertion felt. I can’t do it anymore, currently I have severe pain over most of my body but the worst is my lower left back, hip and leg. If I raise my leg the pain is so severe it knocks me to the ground. My lower mid back has pain as if someone pounded me with a hammer. I’m not saying the meds are the answer, they aren’t. But, that’s my only option to reduce the pain. I talk to my doctor about how if I was an animal they would put me down. He said they don’t do that to humans because we’re worth more. Sure if funny how he’s one of the few that really cares while others only want to say how people in pain should just deal with it and you have the nerve to call the doctors dealers! The medication kills people??!! WHAAAAT??!!! If it wasn’t for the medication believe me the suicide rate would be much higher. But then you goody two shoes would be able to say “Look at the drugs we took away, aren’t we great!” . I guess you think it’s okay if the person kills themselves for any reason other than pain medication is just fine and you can sleep at night. It’s okay since the person that killed themselves because they could no longer deal with the pain wasn’t related to you. With the way you think that would likely be okay also. Ever wonder why elderly people want the ability to die with dignity? They are usually in excruciating pain. But then again, you that don’t deal with pain surely know what’s best for all of us after all, harump we only have pain! We thousands of good people are good as the rest of you, only we have extreme pain and want our pain to be tolerable. Surely there must be something you could compare. Guess what? There’s not…. we pain people were all as normal as you at one time, let’s see what YOU do if you ever have this pain. You will cry for compassion also.

]]> By: bob http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-5543 bob Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:33:15 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-5543 Hey, oxy is great stuff. If yall dont want yours Id be glad to take those little green buddies off your hands. Hey, oxy is great stuff. If yall dont want yours Id be glad to take those little green buddies off your hands.

]]> By: John 316 http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-5085 John 316 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:18:06 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-5085 You people put way way way too much value to human life... Life sucks. The pain of everyday life in middle to lower classes is ludicrously high.. You religious nuts are taught that you're supposed to "live life to the fullest", going about the earth, destructing it, breeding like rabbits, contributing to overpopulation... You wanna live life til your 120 in horrible pain? Go for it. QUALITY of life is more important that quantity. You people put way way way too much value to human life… Life sucks. The pain of everyday life in middle to lower classes is ludicrously high.. You religious nuts are taught that you’re supposed to “live life to the fullest”, going about the earth, destructing it, breeding like rabbits, contributing to overpopulation…

You wanna live life til your 120 in horrible pain? Go for it.

QUALITY of life is more important that quantity.

]]> By: Scott Finn http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-5008 Scott Finn Wed, 27 May 2009 16:34:57 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-5008 May 26, 2009 · The epidemic of overdose deaths from prescription painkillers started in Appalachia, spread from coast to coast, and finally devastated one California family who decided to do something about it... http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=9771 May 26, 2009 · The epidemic of overdose deaths from prescription painkillers started in Appalachia, spread from coast to coast, and finally devastated one California family who decided to do something about it…

http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=9771

]]> By: kimberly http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-4664 kimberly Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:28:25 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-4664 I take oxycodone for scoliosis,6 slipped discs,degenerative disc disease,severe arthritis,2 bulging discs with spinal cord impengement,siatica,severe spasms in my back, severe spondiyolitisis to name a few. I am only 48 years old. My degree is in horticulture and I have been at my job for 10 years. It is how I support my family , make insurance available and pay my mortgage. SSI will not provide this for my family. A desk job is out of the question as it is more painful to sit even for one hour.I would much rather not have to treat my pain this way as I debated taking it for some time,trying every oter avenue first. 17 weeks of painful therapy, constant trigger point injections,too many epidurals,some of it worked for a short time and your only allowed so much cortisone so I ask you what is your suggestion go on ssi, loose my home, give up everything I have worked for my entire life. and my family do without everything? I tried celebrex,and everything over the counter pain releavers,patches and started with the lowest form of perscription pain releaver avail nothing worked until this. I am open for suggestions. Let's hear it. Thanks. treat my pain. I might add this oxycodone only lessens the pain enough to keep working. I am smart enough to know if one doesn't completely do it 2 won't either so I wait my 4 hours. I take oxycodone for scoliosis,6 slipped discs,degenerative disc disease,severe arthritis,2 bulging discs with spinal cord impengement,siatica,severe spasms in my back, severe spondiyolitisis to name a few. I am only 48 years old. My degree is in horticulture and I have been at my job for 10 years. It is how I support my family , make insurance available and pay my mortgage. SSI will not provide this for my family. A desk job is out of the question as it is more painful to sit even for one hour.I would much rather not have to treat my pain this way as I debated taking it for some time,trying every oter avenue first. 17 weeks of painful therapy, constant trigger point injections,too many epidurals,some of it worked for a short time and your only allowed so much cortisone so I ask you what is your suggestion go on ssi, loose my home, give up everything I have worked for my entire life. and my family do without everything? I tried celebrex,and everything over the counter pain releavers,patches and started with the lowest form of perscription pain releaver avail nothing worked until this. I am open for suggestions. Let’s hear it. Thanks. treat my pain. I might add this oxycodone only lessens the pain enough to keep working. I am smart enough to know if one doesn’t completely do it 2 won’t either so I wait my 4 hours.

]]> By: Chris http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-4485 Chris Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:28:59 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-4485 Since the Oxycodone recall, and completely stopping the pills: 1) I did not have withdrawal symptoms (sweats); 2) I absolutely had the most excruciating pain come back, that can just dissolve your mind, besides body. The drugs didn't dissolve my mind, but the pain sure did. No one could live with that amount of crippling pain. Chronic pain physically affects the body. My doctor replaced my prescription starting me on Oxycontin: (because my mail-in company won't cover a different brand??- who knows; the local pharmacist is also on back order - who knows why?). I'm not really thrilled with this drug, because I get additional headaches - maybe I'm adjusting to it. I know they say it is the same, we will see. I do see it is "longer term", but it still quits early, as did the previous medicine, plus I get a headache, but its better than nothing. I've prayed for this 30-year cross of pain to be taken away from me. I am still young, I don't want to live as someone in their 80's, when I'm not. I don't want my husband leaving me because of all my physical problems. He already takes up most of the slack of shopping, etc. God Bless Him! The "drug abuser" excusers are full of nonsense. An abuser will abuse, unless they control themselves. If you can't control it - put it in GOD's hands. That was the ONLY way I stopped smoking. I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I still couldn't - HE does it for me. It's 8.5 years, I still could be a weakling and go back, when I think of it - I immediately turn it over to God. If you've tried everything else, try that, because if there is an issue in your life you can't control, if it's meant to be helped, maybe He can help. And yes, I have turned my pain over to God. I have people and doctors that have faith in me, and I am trying. Maybe one day I will have that blessing too. My husband always says I should ask ANYONE if they'd want to walk a mile in my shoes. I haven't had ONE taker on that. Until you feel the unrelenting horrific pain, you can't imagine what you are talking about, nor would you want to. The pain people that are taking meds for a "buzz" - it's because of you, that people like me might have a problem in the future. Grow up. If I am able to move, to go, to...whatever, I am so grateful. I am grateful to be alive, I might be in pain, but I am alive, and trying to have a life. Only when the pain slaps me down am I devastated. But even with the pain, if I can keep "sort of functioning in a life" - aren't I so lucky. You need an attitude adjustment. Maybe if the pain was real bad again - the buzz wouldn't be so important. I had cellulitis 2 years ago. Absolutely excruciating. Couldn't move, antibiotics and pain pills doubled. Then onto walker, leg swelled. Still have residue of muscle's dissolving. Don't know if this is what Jim's osteomylitis was? Sounds similar. Took protein powder, EXERCISE! Try, keep trying, have faith, give it time. Everytime I see a doctor the say "Exercise". Going to P/T. Don't give up. ASAP went back to original dosage of medicine, and kept trying other modalities to help. As I review my records, I guess I been taking a pain med for about 11 years, at first they made me sick and nauseous, I hated them. (That was on 1 pill). I have had to increase slightly, (6 (5 mg) of oxycodone, not 3 (10 mg) Oxycontin, but if I can cut back I'd love to. Went for 1 of 3 epidurals today, not like years ago where I had no anesthesia, and they scraped your spine to find whereever they had to find. These shots won't cover my "original" serious pain - they hopefully will help some other pains. Maybe someday the new technology will keep improving and let me have a life. I hope the pain meds, let me get to the point where technology catches up. Years ago the doc said I am the "test" - basically the lab test, that will help future generations. Maybe I'll actually live long enough to get relief. Oh joy - to save my liver! Another reason to stay at the lowest dose. I have been told they don't know anyone on it as long as I have been, but I am responsible and DO NOT ABUSE! Except for a few wacky, and winey posts, I am reading the posts from the people that have had TRUE pain, and see the seriousness of the affect on their lives, and the lives of those that they love. The ones using drugs as an excuse or a "controlling" factor to use over others is sad. This is not a joke, the pain people speaking here are in turmoil, and trying to live a life. If someone needs to change doctors to a doctor that actually listens to them, they need to find someone who will help them - whether increase, maintain, or de-tox. (You should be able to back up your physical ailment with medical proof of course.) When there are sites up with people discussing brands, crushing and shooting - give me a break - no wonder people are trying to stop the abusers. I've taken medication many years and don't know this info. When I reach a tolerable level, I don't want to increase, and haven't. People - take personal responsibility. If you can do something - do it. If you can't, or DON'T WANT to- don't blame it on a pill. The second I am physically able to go - I'm moving. Maybe that's why my husband has stayed with me 34 years. He sees that I try very VERY hard to have a life. And have tried to maintain an upbeat attitude, and that is very difficult, when besides pain, I have other physical ailments that make life and living difficult. To all the pain people - please don't give up -keep looking for help. Since the Oxycodone recall, and completely stopping the pills: 1) I did not have withdrawal symptoms (sweats); 2) I absolutely had the most excruciating pain come back, that can just dissolve your mind, besides body. The drugs didn’t dissolve my mind, but the pain sure did. No one could live with that amount of crippling pain. Chronic pain physically affects the body.
My doctor replaced my prescription starting me on Oxycontin: (because my mail-in company won’t cover a different brand??- who knows; the local pharmacist is also on back order – who knows why?). I’m not really thrilled with this drug, because I get additional headaches – maybe I’m adjusting to it. I know they say it is the same, we will see. I do see it is “longer term”, but it still quits early, as did the previous medicine, plus I get a headache, but its better than nothing.
I’ve prayed for this 30-year cross of pain to be taken away from me. I am still young, I don’t want to live as someone in their 80′s, when I’m not. I don’t want my husband leaving me because of all my physical problems. He already takes up most of the slack of shopping, etc. God Bless Him!
The “drug abuser” excusers are full of nonsense. An abuser will abuse, unless they control themselves. If you can’t control it – put it in GOD’s hands. That was the ONLY way I stopped smoking. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I still couldn’t – HE does it for me. It’s 8.5 years, I still could be a weakling and go back, when I think of it – I immediately turn it over to God. If you’ve tried everything else, try that, because if there is an issue in your life you can’t control, if it’s meant to be helped, maybe He can help.
And yes, I have turned my pain over to God. I have people and doctors that have faith in me, and I am trying. Maybe one day I will have that blessing too.
My husband always says I should ask ANYONE if they’d want to walk a mile in my shoes. I haven’t had ONE taker on that. Until you feel the unrelenting horrific pain, you can’t imagine what you are talking about, nor would you want to.
The pain people that are taking meds for a “buzz” – it’s because of you, that people like me might have a problem in the future. Grow up. If I am able to move, to go, to…whatever, I am so grateful. I am grateful to be alive, I might be in pain, but I am alive, and trying to have a life. Only when the pain slaps me down am I devastated. But even with the pain, if I can keep “sort of functioning in a life” – aren’t I so lucky. You need an attitude adjustment. Maybe if the pain was real bad again – the buzz wouldn’t be so important.
I had cellulitis 2 years ago. Absolutely excruciating. Couldn’t move, antibiotics and pain pills doubled. Then onto walker, leg swelled. Still have residue of muscle’s dissolving. Don’t know if this is what Jim’s osteomylitis was? Sounds similar. Took protein powder, EXERCISE! Try, keep trying, have faith, give it time. Everytime I see a doctor the say “Exercise”. Going to P/T. Don’t give up. ASAP went back to original dosage of medicine, and kept trying other modalities to help.
As I review my records, I guess I been taking a pain med for about 11 years, at first they made me sick and nauseous, I hated them. (That was on 1 pill). I have had to increase slightly, (6 (5 mg) of oxycodone, not 3 (10 mg) Oxycontin, but if I can cut back I’d love to.
Went for 1 of 3 epidurals today, not like years ago where I had no anesthesia, and they scraped your spine to find whereever they had to find. These shots won’t cover my “original” serious pain – they hopefully will help some other pains. Maybe someday the new technology will keep improving and let me have a life. I hope the pain meds, let me get to the point where technology catches up.
Years ago the doc said I am the “test” – basically the lab test, that will help future generations. Maybe I’ll actually live long enough to get relief. Oh joy – to save my liver! Another reason to stay at the lowest dose. I have been told they don’t know anyone on it as long as I have been, but I am responsible and DO NOT ABUSE!
Except for a few wacky, and winey posts, I am reading the posts from the people that have had TRUE pain, and see the seriousness of the affect on their lives, and the lives of those that they love.
The ones using drugs as an excuse or a “controlling” factor to use over others is sad.
This is not a joke, the pain people speaking here are in turmoil, and trying to live a life.
If someone needs to change doctors to a doctor that actually listens to them, they need to find someone who will help them – whether increase, maintain, or de-tox. (You should be able to back up your physical ailment with medical proof of course.)
When there are sites up with people discussing brands, crushing and shooting – give me a break – no wonder people are trying to stop the abusers. I’ve taken medication many years and don’t know this info. When I reach a tolerable level, I don’t want to increase, and haven’t.
People – take personal responsibility. If you can do something – do it. If you can’t, or DON’T WANT to- don’t blame it on a pill. The second I am physically able to go – I’m moving. Maybe that’s why my husband has stayed with me 34 years. He sees that I try very VERY hard to have a life. And have tried to maintain an upbeat attitude, and that is very difficult, when besides pain, I have other physical ailments that make life and living difficult.
To all the pain people – please don’t give up -keep looking for help.

]]> By: Jim http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/01/oxycontin-and-the-opium-epidemic-of-the-21st-century.html/comment-page-1#comment-4473 Jim Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:20:01 +0000 http://www.usrecallnews.com/?p=3023#comment-4473 Oxycontin saved my live. I came down with a very bad case of osteomylytis in my left leg. I spendttwo weeks in the hospital and even with high doses of dilada they could not get the pain under control. The pain was absolutely horrible. As time went by, the pain subsided slighlty and I was given 180mg per day (60mg every 8 hours) of Oxycontin and 50mg of Oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I was able to go home! Without these two medications, I do not think I would have been able to live at home, I would have ended up in a nursing home. Fortunately my wife was there to take help of me. I admit I could not have done this on my own. Over time the pain began to subside as we got the infection under control. One day I noticed that I was taking Oxycodone for pleasure, not for breakthrough pain and I made the decision that I needed to cut back. You have take responsibility for what you are doing. NO one else can do it for you. So I asked my doctor how to taper back and was told to do it at a 20mg decrease every 3 days. I followed the instructions meticulously and did not have any significant problems. When I got down to 60mg per day I was switched to 10mg tablets and continued from there. It took a little over a month but I am now drug free with no cravings. I still have some residual pain that will have to be dealt with, but that can wait. My point is, there is a purpose for this medication and it can be very beneficial to those in great pain. Those of you who have not experienced such pain and condemn oxycontin for pain control are fools. Sure, Oxycontin can be abused, but for some it is a life saver. I have no respect for those who would ban the medicine outright as until they have walked in a pain suffer shoes, they really having nothing to contribute to the discussion. End abuse, but don't ban an effective pain management medicine. Oxycontin saved my live. I came down with a very bad case of osteomylytis in my left leg. I spendttwo weeks in the hospital and even with high doses of dilada they could not get the pain under control. The pain was absolutely horrible. As time went by, the pain subsided slighlty and I was given 180mg per day (60mg every 8 hours) of Oxycontin and 50mg of Oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I was able to go home!

Without these two medications, I do not think I would have been able to live at home, I would have ended up in a nursing home. Fortunately my wife was there to take help of me. I admit I could not have done this on my own.

Over time the pain began to subside as we got the infection under control. One day I noticed that I was taking Oxycodone for pleasure, not for breakthrough pain and I made the decision that I needed to cut back. You have take responsibility for what you are doing. NO one else can do it for you.

So I asked my doctor how to taper back and was told to do it at a 20mg decrease every 3 days. I followed the instructions meticulously and did not have any significant problems. When I got down to 60mg per day I was switched to 10mg tablets and continued from there. It took a little over a month but I am now drug free with no cravings. I still have some residual pain that will have to be dealt with, but that can wait.

My point is, there is a purpose for this medication and it can be very beneficial to those in great pain. Those of you who have not experienced such pain and condemn oxycontin for pain control are fools. Sure, Oxycontin can be abused, but for some it is a life saver. I have no respect for those who would ban the medicine outright as until they have walked in a pain suffer shoes, they really having nothing to contribute to the discussion. End abuse, but don’t ban an effective pain management medicine.

]]>