Listen to Judy discuss the complexity of painkiller WBUR, “Radio Boston”
[mejsaudio src=”http://blog.judyforeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/radioboston_0418_commonhealth-painkillers.mp3″]
Nationally Sindicated Fitness, Health, and Medicine Columnist
Anne says
May 8, 2012 at 8:28 amGood job
Albina says
May 31, 2012 at 6:44 pmcool thanks!http://www.divulgaemail.com
Nancy O'Bannon says
June 26, 2012 at 2:48 amJudy,
I just heard your interview, along with Keosha, regarding prescription opioids and pain. I thought you did SUCH a great job differentiating between Keosha’s acute post-surgical pain vs. Chronic pain, the difference between addiction and dependence, and the numbers game with statistics regarding overdose deaths (& the fact that other substances are often involved in these fatalities, and are rarely reported). I was SO impressed that you were able to get all of that in, in such a brief amount time. Also, you made it clear that untreated and / or under treated chronic pain IS an epidemic in the U.S., and that “Opiophobia” is alive and well in 2012. I have been following some of your articles regarding chronic pain, and I appreciate SO much, your sharing the story of your own experiences, and the experiences of others who suffer with pain. I emailed a while back that I too, am a chronic pain sufferer. I have a rare, genetic, connective tissue disorder called, Ehlers-danlos Syndrome. It causes the production of faulty collagen, which acts as the “glue” in organs, the GI system, eyes, skin, and joints. I have suffered with severe, painful chronic dislocations and subluxations of my shoulders, spine, hips, SI joints, pelvis, wrist, foot bones, jaw, knee caps, and most recently, my cervical spine, which causes spinal cord compression, and debilitating sudden, acute pain episodes. There is no cure for EDS, and treatment is symptom management….the WORST of which is severe acute and chronic pain. Doctors are rarely familiar with EDS, so most of us spend our lives misdiagnosed, and /or told we are hypochondriacs! I was only two years ago, by a wonderful geneticist, named Susan Pauker, M.D. in Boston. Finally being properly diagnoses (at 40), was literally life saving for me, as I had reached the depths of despair and hopelessness from continued misdiagnosis, mistreatment, and unrelenting pain. Along with the relief and validation came the realization that I wasn’t going to be cured, my pain was here to stay, and worsen, and I would be at the mercy of the medical community key to treat my pain. Since finding some relief and increased function through longterm opioid therapy, I have regained some hope…. However, with today’s climate, and hostility toward chronic pain patients and the use of opioid therapy, I am increasingly anxious about my future. I also have the added fortune of being a member of BCBS of MA insurance policy. As you know (another fantastic article that I appreciated SO much!), effective July 1, 2012, I will be at the mercy of BCBS to relieve my intractable, incurable, pain
past 15 or 30 days… Needless to say….I am terrified by the thought of being without pain relief. I am a wife, daughter, sister, and friend, and above all….a mother to two wonderful children, ages 5 and 7. I am SO looking forward to reading your upcoming book, and hope you know how important you are, as a voice in the media for us with chronic pain. We need you NOW more than ever! Please, continue to tell the truth about what is happening to us, who have less and less access to (for many of us), the only treatment that has increased our quality of life, and allowed us to suffer less! Thank you SO much Judy, for telling it like it is. Your support is beyond measure, and so very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Nancy O’Bannon
Nancyobannon@hotmail.com
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
EDNF.org