Replies to '08/29 Secret Lives of Single Moms'

I am glad that Stephanie has this venue to air her addiction problem, to get help, and to serve as a symbol of hope to others in her position -- there are many, many leading lives of quiet desperation.     

Still, I am tired of the show concentrating on abusers of prescription medications -- as a person with legitimate need of those drugs due to severe chronic pain, I notice that my pain management doctors have become more and more afraid of being accused of over-prescribing, of being noticed by some oversight entity.  Their hesitency only results in me having days wherein the pain is so intense I pray to die.   

I take 20 mg. of methadone three times a day, and I am allowed up to 25 mg. of oxycodone per day for what is called breakthrough pain -- pain that has "escaped" the coverage of the methadone.  

Since March, and the complete collapse of the bones in my shoulder, I have been nearly begging for an increase in dosage -- temporarily  -- until the joint is replaced [Sept 19.  The doctors are afraid... which is ludicrous.  Their fear comes from "the war on drugs," as well as the groundswell of real abuse ongoing with medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone.  

These broad brushstrokes are painting innocent people.  I have been at the above-cited dosages, or LOWER, for about nine years.   

Unbeknownst to my doctors, I even make myself take "drug holidays" at least once a month.  Why and what does it entail?  First the "why." Because of the impact of shows like this one!  I get down on myself and wonder about the possibility of addiction.  How it is done:  I taper off of the pain meds, more rapidly than is probably good, and I do an inventory of where the pains are, and their various intensities.  I don't have withdrawal symptoms, at least none that I am aware of... What I am aware of is incredible pain. I am in a wheelchair normally... but during the drug holiday, I am usually in bed!  

The value of my drug holidays is that they seem to "reset" my system.  For awhile, at least, I need less breakthrough medication... and I don't need to rely so much on, say, lying down, covered with ice packs, and some stupid imagery tape strapped on my head!     

I am so very glad that Stephanie will be afforded the help she needs and I wish her the best in her recovery.   

Just please, please, please -- consider balancing such guest stories with stories of those who have real [severe chronic pain.  My pain comes from the co-mingling antics of lupus, CRPS/RSD, and osteonecrosis [AVN -- and a partridge in a pear tree!    

The drugs are not the *best* treatment for pain, of course!  Attitude is everything; Love is so powerful... and the complete Marx Brothers collection can almost be curative!