DrugBuyers.Com: Been labelled a DRUGSEEKER

I may be rather late to join this forum, but it was an incredible thread. I just had to add my two cents worth, since I have been a chronic pain patient due to an accident several years ago. Please read what I write in a sense of good faith and compassion. No lectures here. I get very passionate when I hear stories like I have read. I learned some valuable lessons along my path of pain - I only wish to help, if I can.

Number one, a chronic pain patient IS a drug seeker! Not in a base sense, but a poor soul who has a real need and is looking for relief. WE need to alter our mindset and realize this fact and operate on the truth - we are addicted to NOT FEELING PAIN!

Number two, the recreational drug user and abuser has made it extremely difficult for the legitimate pain patient to receive adequate treatment. We need to be aware that doctors need to look for red flags. To protect against writing medications to a potential drug abuser and getting into major problems with this type of person. Try to see their side of the fence.

Number three, if you do not demand respect and stand up for your rights as a pain patient, to live your life within a reasonable and humane threshold of pain, these doctors will humiliate, label and reject you. This is mainly out of fear, not because they do not want to help their patients. Of course, you must have adequate tests and records to substantiate your pain.

Number four, you must be candid with ANY physician when it comes to your well being. YOU should be in control, not the MD. You must be an educated consumer when it comes to selecting an intelligent and compassionate doctor. We must be firm when discussing our medical issues and treatment. Lord, I have seen people do more preparation when buying a CAR than they do on their own health care. If you are unfamiliar about your condition or the types of medications available - GET EDUCATED.

My heart goes out to anyone who has been mishandled or mistreated by his or her doctor. I have been there and learned what I had to do in order to receive the respect and medications necessary to live a somewhat "normal" and productive life. It is a continuous battle to not let it get me down, but it is my right as a human being to decide the quality of this life.

As I said earlier about MDs, we have to also realize that the DEA has made it increasingly difficult for physicians to write opiate-based prescription medications. When they DO, they are terrified of being investigated and losing their license. These are very real threats to their practice. It is very hard to find a courageous doctor willing to risk his own neck to help someone in pain. You have to make them realize and understand that you are a RESPONSIBLE patient....and you must BE a responsible patient when you take these types of medications. A bond of trust must exist between doctor and patient.

Another factor that comes into play - the media and hype is sold on the War Against Drugs. As long as this is a story for ratings, they will continue to beat it to death. It would be nice to see an end to illegal heroin trafficking. It would be great if they could also end alcohol abuse. It destroys thousands of families every year. But that is another tangent.

There are many sites out there on the Internet for chronic pain patients. Please take the time to visit them and hear what others have done to fight this battle. Don't take this laying down! Be armed with education, good sense, and self-respect. If you need to find another physician who is compassionate and caring, do so immediately!

Good luck to you!

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Be well and pain free,

RonnieNwolf