Jeff Sessions: Chronic pain sufferers should ‘take an aspirin and tough it out’

[driftdiver]

The last time I got Oxy, I got a 30 day supply. I never took it.

@Restored
Sounds like your doctor chose well.

The only time I had really severe pain I ended up in the hospital with multiple organs failing, hearth problems, pneumonia and I stopped breathing in surgery.  They were giving me dilaudid before lowering it to morphine.   Aspirin wouldn't have touched the pain I had.   I was worried about becoming addicted and they explained the process to me. 

Since then doctors have tightened up their prescriptions.  In fact your normal GP has a several limited number of prescriptions they can write for opiods.     The govt regulations is forcing most of it to pain doctors and surgeons.

[Sanguine]

All Western medicine does is treat the symptoms and not the ailment.   My wife had had a chronic pain issue for about 10 years.  The doctors are pretty much useless and restricting her pain medicine doesn't solve the problem. 

She has only found relief through non-traditional treatments.  Ironically the initial problem started shortly after she had a pneumonia vaccine.

I totally disagree with that and from personal experience.

But, chronic pain is a tough one to treat.  You want to prescribe enough to keep the pain at a tolerable level or, even better, gone for a time, but that requires the use of life-altering and addictive drugs.  It's hard to do.

And, you, as the sufferer, have the option of trying acupuncture, massage, etc., on your own.  I think that most doctors are fine with those kind of alternatives.

[Restored]

A doctor pointed out something to me. If you look at people with major back issues, many are overweight. So you have a degenerative back issue and you are carrying too much weight. When my wife had a car wreck, they had to order a brace for her because she was too small for the ones in stock. Losing weight seems to be the best treatment though not a cure.

I have gout. If I stay away from the triggers, I never have a flare-up. Yes, it is very painful but you just have to tough it out. There is no pain relief for gout. The Aleve  just helps with the swelling.

[libertybele]

Oy vavoy  @libertybele      I was simply correcting the premise of the article---which is a bleeping lie. 


Geeze, you get wound up.   

Gee RIV I saw it as correcting my original comment; perhaps not intended, and I didn't see the article as a lie.  You bet ya; I  get wound up when people like Sessions who have proven to be worthless make absurd comments. 

[driftdiver]

I totally disagree with that and from personal experience.

But, chronic pain is a tough one to treat.  You want to prescribe enough to keep the pain at a tolerable level or, even better, gone for a time, but that requires the use of life-altering and addictive drugs.  It's hard to do.

And, you, as the sufferer, have the option of trying acupuncture, massage, etc., on your own.  I think that most doctors are fine with those kind of alternatives.

@Sanguine

My personal experience; developed chronic bronchitis in the Air Force.  Likely from bad air associated with being underground for 8 years.   I had bronchitis for about 15 years.   Would get sick, go to doc, take anti-biotics and feel a little better, and two weeks later i was back at the doc.  They started talking about IV drugs and hospitalization.

Not once did they suggest anything else, not once.     No they would prescribe me with asthma meds, then tell me i dont have asthma.    They did nothing but throw drugs at me.

Finally I got smart and did some research of my own.   Took out all the carpet, stuffed animals and other things that create dust.    Have barely ever been sick since.

Same thing goes here.  Doctors prescribe to many pain meds.  People get addicted and the govts response is to restrict the use of pain meds and tell people to take aspirin.

Not once are they looking at how doctors are treating patients.

[XenaLee]

    @INVAR's always reminded me of that Saint that drove all the Rats, snakes, whatever,out of Ireland.  The Dude makes a lot of sense, talks a Good Game and will, eventually, convince you GOP'ers that you're spinning your wheels.

Most of us already knew that we were (are) spinning our wheels with this current crop of DC gators.  We don't need anyone to 'tell' us that.  The difference is.... some of us just aren't ready to throw in the towel and give up quite yet.  I have a sneaky feeling that Invar is A-OK with that... and even secretly glad that at least somebody is out there still trying. 

[XenaLee]

I thought that might have been what he was saying.    The problem is not the person in severe chronic pain.  It's the ones who take these pain relievers for every little twinge or those who don't have any pain at all -- but use these meds just for the feel-good effect.

It's unfortunate that this "war" on opioids is going to make it tougher for those who truly need these drugs, while the abusers will always find some way to get what they want.

 

That is always the case, isn't it.  The few screw things up royally for the many.  Especially when nanny-state Government is or gets involved.

[driftdiver]

    @INVAR's always reminded me of that Saint that drove all the Rats, snakes, whatever,out of Ireland.  The Dude makes a lot of sense, talks a Good Game and will, eventually, convince you GOP'ers that you're spinning your wheels.

@corbe
So you're saying you worship @INVAR ?

[libertybele]

Most of us already knew that we were (are) spinning our wheels with this current crop of DC gators.  We don't need anyone to 'tell' us that.  The difference is.... some of us just aren't ready to throw in the towel and give up quite yet.  I have a sneaky feeling that Invar is A-OK with that... and even secretly glad that at least somebody is out there still trying.

With the current DOJ, and in particular the current AG, it is very difficult to see a glimmer of hope.  IF they aren't going to hold people responsible and if they themselves are so corrupt that nothing will be done, how does this country move forward?  We've basically lost our rule of law.  Those in 'power and position' can basically interfere with our electoral process and due process without repercussion.  Our President has the power to fire his AG who seems to be turning a very blind eye to all the corruption yet he allows him to remain seated.   

What I forsee becoming an alarming situation is if Trump wins re-election in 2020. I believe we will see the real Trump and there will be absolutely nothing or no one that will be able to stop him.

[mountaineer]

It's unfortunate that this "war" on opioids is going to make it tougher for those who truly need these drugs, while the abusers will always find some way to get what they want.

Agreed. I've been talking about this with a friend who has bad neuropathy. She found gabapentin had bad side effects but she certainly doesn't want opiates to treat her chronic pain. She's found some relief with a Vitamin B compound prescribed by her podiatrist. I've found nothing to relieve my own pain, but I'm the same way - I don't want anything remotely addictive. I'd rather take aspirin.

[driftdiver]

With the current DOJ, and in particular the current AG, it is very difficult to see a glimmer of hope.  IF they aren't going to hold people responsible and if they themselves are so corrupt that nothing will be done, how does this country move forward?  We've basically lost our rule of law.  Those in 'power and position' can basically interfere with our electoral process and due process without repercussion.  Our President has the power to fire his AG who seems to be turning a very blind eye to all the corruption yet he allows him to remain seated.   

What I forsee becoming an alarming situation is if Trump wins re-election in 2020. I believe we will see the real Trump and there will be absolutely nothing or no one that will be able to stop him.

@libertybele
Its not trump we need to be worried about.  Its the out of control CIA, NSA, FBI, DOJ, IRS and other agencies that we have no visiblity too.

[Victoria33]

The problem is not the person in severe chronic pain.  It's the ones who take these pain relievers for every little twinge or those who don't have any pain at all -- but use these meds just for the feel-good effect.  It's unfortunate that this "war" on opioids is going to make it tougher for those who truly need these drugs, while the abusers will always find some way to get what they want.

If you go to a doc for hydrocodone (that one or another opioid) for pain, most docs are not going through the process to get them to the patient if the pain is not substantial and chronic.  I can only get another prescription if I see the doc face to face.  He can't order them over the phone or fax to a drugstore - I have to see him to get the prescription, then have to hand carry it to drugstore and can get only one month at a time.   My doc said the problem is, patients who get them sell them on the street and make money.  My doc would never give opioid for minor pain.

Sessions came into office with Opioids on the brain, to get rid of them.  He is absolutely stupid.  Some of us need those pills in order to function.  A pox on Sessions.

[corbe]

@corbe
So you're saying you worship @INVAR ?

   I can totally understand @driftdiver how you surmised that from my Post but NO, I don't worship @INVAR, @Emjay consumes all my passion here leaving little else for thoughtful analysis of posted articles as should be obvious.

[Suppressed]

@Suppressed
That's right...  Doesn't sound directed toward 'chronic pain sufferers' More like, 'you don't need Norco for your sprained ankle' kinda thing.

I will return to my previous level of ambivalence wrt Sessions.

Thank you for your report.

You're welcome, @roamer_1

I hate misleading reports.

[Sanguine]

@Sanguine

My personal experience; developed chronic bronchitis in the Air Force.  Likely from bad air associated with being underground for 8 years.   I had bronchitis for about 15 years.   Would get sick, go to doc, take anti-biotics and feel a little better, and two weeks later i was back at the doc.  They started talking about IV drugs and hospitalization.

Not once did they suggest anything else, not once.     No they would prescribe me with asthma meds, then tell me i dont have asthma.    They did nothing but throw drugs at me.

Finally I got smart and did some research of my own.   Took out all the carpet, stuffed animals and other things that create dust.    Have barely ever been sick since.

Same thing goes here.  Doctors prescribe to many pain meds.  People get addicted and the govts response is to restrict the use of pain meds and tell people to take aspirin.

Not once are they looking at how doctors are treating patients.

Sorry to hear about your experience, DD.  I know it happens.

Sounds like you are a smart patient.  We do have to advocate for proper care and be well-informed.

[driftdiver]

   I can totally understand @driftdiver how you surmised that from my Post but NO, I don't worship @INVAR, @Emjay consumes all my passion here leaving little else for thoughtful analysis of posted articles as should be obvious.

@corbe
not buyin it.

you called him a saint

[libertybele]

Agreed. I've been talking about this with a friend who has bad neuropathy. She found gabapentin had bad side effects but she certainly doesn't want opiates to treat her chronic pain. She's found some relief with a Vitamin B compound prescribed by her podiatrist. I've found nothing to relieve my own pain, but I'm the same way - I don't want anything remotely addictive. I'd rather take aspirin.

I have 2 rare diseases and the 'flares' though not often have been unbearable to the point that I cannot sit still and certainly sleep is out of the question -- nothing works.  I have found certain herbs that seem to keep the flares from occurring but I would never prohibit or find fault with anyone who would try opioids to give them some relief.  Aspirin is not without side affects, especially internal bleeding.  I read an article that stated that aspirin would never be approved by today's current FDA standards.  Go figure.

[XenaLee]

With the current DOJ, and in particular the current AG, it is very difficult to see a glimmer of hope.  IF they aren't going to hold people responsible and if they themselves are so corrupt that nothing will be done, how does this country move forward?  We've basically lost our rule of law.  Those in 'power and position' can basically interfere with our electoral process and due process without repercussion.  Our President has the power to fire his AG who seems to be turning a very blind eye to all the corruption yet he allows him to remain seated.   

What I forsee becoming an alarming situation is if Trump wins re-election in 2020. I believe we will see the real Trump and there will be absolutely nothing or no one that will be able to stop him.

2nd terms are often the ones that end up screwing America the most (See: George Bush's 2nd term).  So.... what to you think Trump would do in his 2nd term?

[corbe]

@corbe
not buyin it.

you called him a saint

      Get back to me when you have this on your resume @driftdiver

[driftdiver]

I have 2 rare diseases and the 'flares' though not often have been unbearable to the point that I cannot sit still and certainly sleep is out of the question -- nothing works.  I have found certain herbs that seem to keep the flares from occurring but I would never prohibit or find fault with anyone who would try opioids to give them some relief.  Aspirin is not without side affects, especially internal bleeding.  I read an article that stated that aspirin would never be approved by today's current FDA standards.  Go figure.

@libertybele @mountaineer

Look into diet related causes/treatments.   My wife basically suffered from an overactive nervous system.   She had severe pain but no cause of the pain.  There was nothing for them to treat or at least there was nothing they would treat except the pain.

The medicines they gave her caused severe GI issues and nearly killed her.   Through our own research and some help from a research hospital doctor who looked like a female version of doogie howser we found that certain foods were triggers.    Certain foods cause inflammation in the body.  The inflamation causes the pain.   The diet also significantly helped the GI issues.  The use of herb teas has also helped significantly.   

Oh and the wonder hospitals like Mayo Clinic won't see patients for GI issues if they are taking any pain medicine stronger then Tylenol.

[driftdiver]

      Get back to me when you have this on your resume @driftdiver

@corbe
A clear sign of worship

[Victoria33]

I've found nothing to relieve my own pain, but I'm the same way - I don't want anything remotely addictive. I'd rather take aspirin.

@mountaineer

I have been taking hydrocodone since 2003.  Have never taken more than the script says.  Have never felt "high" or "down" due to the pill.  I think this is because I have whole body muscle pain so I don't feel any effect of the pill except the pain goes away or is less so I can function.  If this pill screwed up my brain, I would not take it as the reason for the pill is SO I CAN THINK AND FUNCTION.

In fact, I was in so much pain several months ago, so bad I could not move or the pain was even worse, doc said to take two of those pills when that happens and also gave me a non-muscle spasm pill to take when that happens.  That pain was so bad, I would have died to stop it. When a person is like that, when death is preferable in order to stop it, major pain pills are necessary.  Sessions has never had pain like that.

[INVAR]

Most of us already knew that we were (are) spinning our wheels with this current crop of DC gators.  We don't need anyone to 'tell' us that.  The difference is.... some of us just aren't ready to throw in the towel and give up quite yet.  I have a sneaky feeling that Invar is A-OK with that... and even secretly glad that at least somebody is out there still trying.

Hey, if you get jollies out of what I think is practicing insanity - knock yer socks off.  My problem is with those who insist that if we don't practice the insanity with them, we are the enemy or traitors.

I personally think it's a waste of time, but if you feel that you can beat the house, by all means - blow yer wad at the table and good luck.

[XenaLee]

Hey, if you get jollies out of what I think is practicing insanity - knock yer socks off.  My problem is with those who insist that if we don't practice the insanity with them, we are the enemy or traitors.

I personally think it's a waste of time, but if you feel that you can beat the house, by all means - blow yer wad at the table and good luck.

Lol.... so....

I was right/correct then.   ^-^

[INVAR]

@corbe
So you're saying you worship @INVAR ?

If anyone is stupid enough to even entertain the notion, they need to get a life and a better god.

But methinks ridiculing appreciation is more than a bit uncalled for. But hey - you Trump supporters have demonstrated some amazing people skills.

you called him a saint

Unless one follows Catholic tradition - are not all who follow Yeshua Christ the Messiah saints according to the biblical definition?