Is it standard procedure for Drs. to deny proper pain medication nowdays?

Question

I once read that proper pain management was essential to the healing process . i think this was the standard theory expressed in the lancet and several other prestigious medical journals about 15 yrs. ago. Could it be that the F.D.A. has infiltrated our drs. offices to th point that it takes a brave one to write for decent pain medication? Who came up with the idea that 30 painkillers a month could be addictive? Why must I suffer from daily pain because some crackpot bureaucrat claims that i must be protected from addiction at all costs? The whole drug war was begun based on the lies of a bigoted racist pig named harry anslinger who lied to congress and began an epidemic that has been eaten hook line and sinker by the american public. i pray that this complete invasion of our privacy and human rights is beginning to subside just as alchahol prohibition slowly vanished without any major legal moves by our beloved representatives . allowing them to get away without any admission that t

Answer 1

Well stated, but don't overlook the insurance companies. They have strict policy guidelines for liability insurance.

Answer 2

In this litigius society, doctors have to take many steps to insure that they don't get sued. After 4 years of undergrad, 4 of med school, 2 or 3 in residencey, and add to that 180K+ in student loans, it is a stressful position to be in just to have it all fall down because one person decides to sue them for causing addiction, or a bleeding stomach ulcer from too much NSAIDS, or because they can't make thier mortgage and need someone with "deep pockets" to foot the bill.

On the flip side, HMO's and PPO's are constantly putting more and more restrictions on what a doctor can do, and paying the Dr. less and less every year for the same service. If the HMO restricts the dosage of a particular medication at 30/month, are you willing to pay for the extra pills. Most Americans think that they are entitled to getting their sick care for free and aren't willing to shell out thier own money for thier own health.

Answer 3

Change doctors.

I know that most general md's are afraid of "addiction", this was even a subject as my dear mother lay dying. How stupid, she was DYING, how can you develop an addiction when you are dead?

My mother's general md was one of the scared idiots. After mom could no longer make her own decisions, my dad & I asked the nurses which doctors would prescribe strong painkillers, then we hired that doc to prescribe them.

It sounds to me like your doctor may not be taking your claims of pain seriously, find a new doc.

Answer 4

If you ever come to south Florida, you would be stunned at the number of "pain management" clinics in operation. They offer opiates, 30 day prescriptions, and 30 dollar visits. Its just licensed drug dealing.

Answer 5

I believe that it is out of fear of malpractice suits and insurance companies putting to much stress on the doctors and scaring them out of doing what they feel is best for the patient. I think that different doctors let their religious or cultural beliefs play into what they will prescribe.

Answer 6

Drs. are besieged by "pain medication" addicts who are addicted long after the pain has subsided. (So are pharmacies; I used to work in one) Drs. I know do not refuse medication to those whom they believe truly need it.