• Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me
  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
Thank you for the visit and please enjoy the reading.

Home

marcoujor: Problems with Pain

11/8/2017

10 Comments

 
Picture
The opioid epidemic is getting lots of attention nation wide these days.

This rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in the United States and Canada began in the late 1990s and has continued throughout the first two decades of the 2000s.

Opioids are painkillers, including Oxycodone (commonly known as OxyContin and Percocet); Hydrocodone (Vicodin), and a very strong painkiller, Fentanyl, which is synthesized to resemble other opiates such as opium-derived Morphine and Heroin.
​According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, "overdose deaths, particularly from prescription drugs and heroin, have reached epidemic levels. In 2015, annual overdose deaths from heroin alone surpassed deaths from both car accidents and guns, with other opioid overdose deaths also on the rise. Drug overdoses have since become the leading cause of death of Americans under 50, with two-thirds of those deaths from opioids.”

There is a high risk for addiction with opioid use. There is a staggering amount of those who use and abuse opioids as recreational drugs.

​However...

In the middle of this epidemic are real people with real pain.

In June  of 1999, I experienced the worst pain of my life from gunshot wounds, not treated for 46-hours. After hours of surgery, I woke up to intravenous fluids and medications, including Morphine. In the four weeks of my hospitalization, I transitioned to Percocet on a PRN (as needed) basis.

Upon discharge I attended Physical Therapy three times weekly, using Naprosyn or Tylenol PRN as I continued healing/getting stronger.

When I truly needed pain relief, I was grateful for my medical team and their collaboration with/understanding of me.​

Recently…

I watched a 11-minute TEDx talk by Kate Nicholson (writer, speaker, civil rights attorney) on pain in the context of the opioid epidemic.

Kate’s situation is different than mine. Yet, the short term use of opioids (finally) with her was just as life-changing.

Check out this video. I found Kate’s message to be both informative and powerful...
In closing, a multi-faceted approach with adequate funding to support research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is a tall, but necessary, order to address this societal killer, while simultaneously advocating for those experiencing severe pain.

I welcome your thoughts, as always.

ShoutOuts

☙ The Joy of Having an Extended Family on the Internet via Martie’s Foyer
☙ Natures Free Medicines and Cures via Fireside with Rolly

Wishing you a peaceful day,

mar
10 Comments
Peg link
11/8/2017 08:30:12 am

From the video, it appears that the knee-jerk reaction of lawmakers is directed at the providers of these medications (Doctors) rather at than those who misuse, sell and abuse opioid medications. Her story and yours is compelling as to the proper diagnosis and treatment of pain.
Unfortunately, as you may remember, there is another side of the story, and that is insurance providers that, in an effort to keep profits at a maximum, deny patients necessary surgical treatment forcing them to take increasingly stronger pain medications just to function.
In the case of someone close to me, the pain management scenario was a ruse to collect a twice monthly office visit fee for five minutes of time where the doctor did NOTHING more than write a renewal prescription for the same and/or stronger meds. At one point, this back pain sufferer was prescribed up to 600 units of pain medications daily including Oxycodone, Fentanyl, AND Hydromorphone just so he could endure the pain to continue working. These clinics seem to be on every corner.
I believe it will require that lawmakers address the insurance companies' blatant denials and refusals to treat the root cause of the pain rather than just medicate patients. When that happens, they will likely see a reduction in the need for and abuse of opioids.
Truly, she is right that more emphasis needs to be placed on the training and treatment of pain by medical professionals.

Reply
Maria link
11/9/2017 08:01:37 am

Dear Peg,

The situation you describe is wrong, immoral and cruel on every level - a true example of blatant opioid misuse.

Thank you for adding this worthwhile perspective of a most complex issue.

Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Mike
11/8/2017 10:57:53 am

Hello mar - This is a huge problem. Legislatively we are crippled by those working on the behalf of drug companies. A statistic from VA was that enough pills for six million does was sold through one small pharmacy. So, to me the legal arms of the supply chain are very guilty. Corporitized profit driven (crazed) American Pharma are the root cause. Insurance companies are also complicit.

Reply
Maria link
11/9/2017 08:06:10 am

Well said, dear Mike.

It hurts my heart when considering an individual's pain being translated to strengthening "corporitized profit driven (crazed) American Pharma".

Reply
Martie link
11/8/2017 01:37:00 pm

Oh dear, what a topic! Without opioids (tramadol, in my case) I will die of pain. I am, however, very aware of the dangers.

It is so easy for a sick person who has nobody to take care of them to accidentally overdose, because they lose track of time.

I agree with Mike and Peg.

The entire business of medicine has only one objective: To make money. The rest - healing and relieving the sick and injured - is but only an incentive.

Reply
Maria link
11/9/2017 08:09:07 am

I'm not surprised that I am 'preaching to the choir' in your case, dear Martie.

I am forever in admiration of the way you juggle your busy life with ongoing pain. I am forever in hope this pain will soon be history for you.

Love you and hugs, mar

Reply
Sageleaf link
11/8/2017 10:15:24 pm

What a story you have there: June of 1999 you were healing from gunshot wounds - wow! I know you had mentioned this before, but still - it just takes my breath away to read about a friend going through this. I'm sorry for this trauma that you endured. You are a strong person with a strong message that inspires!

In any case, the opioid crisis has far reaches and far-reaching effects. It can hit any family. I once took percocet for impacted (and removed) wisdom teeth. I only took one (prescribed by my doctor) and got so sick, I resorted to just Tylenol for the rest of my healing. It didn't work that well, but I figure it was better than nothing. To think that something like that would get people addicted. Sheesh! Here's to hoping that we figure out the cure for this crisis soon. Sending you big hugs and I hope you have a peaceful rest of your week! xoxo

Reply
Maria link
11/9/2017 08:14:53 am

Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for your kind words - I am back to snuff in all ways. Yet my experience gives me endless examples of life perspective - sometimes when I least expect it.

Your personal example shows us the importance of 'listening to our body'. Not every medicine or treatment is meant for every one of us. To me this is the biggest reason our doctors need to actively include us in our treatment (or not).

Have a peaceful day. Love you, Maria

Reply
Rolly A.Chabot link
11/12/2017 09:26:25 pm

Hi Mar...
Enlightening and staggering statistics on opioid use and misuse in todays society. This recent issue with my back has been an enlightening experience for me. Short term pain is the only thing I have known till now.
I am very thankful for T-3 and finally Tramadal as it has been going on since mid May and I have grown weary of any sort of pain med other than these two. They are taken only when needed.
There is an end in sight come the 20th of this month. Finally Kyphoplasty surgery and according to the surgeon he is pleased I have avoided anything stronger.
For those who are suffering and addicted to the opioid please consider seeking help as there is a far better life awaiting.
Thank you for writing this Maria... you are an amazing testimony my friend...

Hugs and blessings from the frozen North

Reply
Maria link
11/17/2017 07:49:30 am

Dear Rolly,

You have been strong and upbeat over these six months with the ongoing pain you've been experiencing.

I'm sending all my hopes and positive energy for the 20th - Hoping you will get the relief you most certainly deserve.

Thank you for sharing these insightful and supportive thoughts.

Hugs and keep in touch, Maria

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    The Web Only Your Site

    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



    Archives

    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    Thanks for Sharing!

    Popular Posts

    On Schizophrenia
    For the Love of Reading
    Kindness Does Not Discriminate
    A Healthy Recipe for a Balanced Life
    Playing the Game of Life
    Behind the Scenes at the Carriage Driver
    Remembering Mary
    How Wonderful
    The Legend of David Bowie
    Resolutions & Revelations
    The Gift of Life in Death
    The Charitable Spirit
    I Recommend
    The Magic of Soul Music
    Thanksgiving Leftovers
    ​Musings on Gratitude
    ​Perfection and Peace
    ​Everlasting Memories
    Adele Saying ''Hello''
    My Hero: Bruce Castor
    The Happiness Habit
    What Matters
    My Health Coach
    Vanity Views
    ​Just a Nurse
    ​Today is a Gift
    Everybody Hurts
    Bathroom Blues
    TIPS on Writing
    Self-Love or Selfish... ?
    The Power of Feedback
    A Balancing Act
    From Alphabets to Artichokes
    Findings on Finger-Labyrinths
    "Tell me a story, Kimmie..."
    Lessons of the Heart
    Sharing a Melody
    The Pleasure of Polarities
    The Ocean and Everything
    Letter to Sunshine
    Take Care of Yourself
    HOME
    GIFT SHOP
    AD SERVICES & SPONSORS
    BLOGS
    CONTACT ME
    I Recommend...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me