Due to the opioid epidemic, my mother's NP has prescribed 2 caplets a day of Norco. My mother is 94 and is in severe pain everyday. When I have asked the NP to increase the dosage or add another pain med in addition to the norco, she always recites how she's worried about addiction. I think this is so ridiculous. Who really cares if a 94 year old woman becomes addicted to a med if it relieves her suffering? My mother mons every morning and during the day from bursitis. Does anyone know of an over the counter med that is effective in between taking the norco? She already lives on a heating pad. Additionally physical therapy has never helped her before. I'm lost.
And yes, drug addicts and 'street dealers' are still getting their stuff. The 'war on opiates' has been an epic fail. You know who abuses drugs more than anyone? People in the healthcare field. Drs and nurses---anesthesiologists are the 'worst'. And I know this b/c my DIL IS an anesthesiologist and when she goes to conferences--this ALWAYS comes up.
I have to see my PCP every 3 months to renew my scrip for Tylenol 3. I have arthritis in every joint in my body. Ibuprofen has caused me to have some kidney function issues and my PCP is very judicious in prescribing. I WAS on Norco until 2 back surgeries fixed the back problems, but the arthritis is a lifelong problem and isn't getting better. B/c it's throughout my whole body, covering myself in some gel or putting cold packs on the 'sore spots' and trying to function on Tylenol alone? I'd spend everyday, all day chasing down the 'hotspots'.
Nobody's pain is like mine and mine is not like someone else's. I wish we didn't even have to have these discussions. I'm 100% functional and feel capable of doing in a day what needs doing.
I won't live to 90, but I HOPE I will be allowed to manage my pain with the compassionate care of a good dr. Arthritis does NOT 'get better' as we age.
And as far why patients are left suffering in pain.....that is America for you. Sure there are definitely doctors that are overprescribing but the solution isn’t to cut off people with documented painful conditions. Unfortunately what is happening in this country is that people are being cut off from opioids and left to suffer debilitating pain and what is happening is that many of them suffer until they can’t take it anymore and they commit suicide.
I can understand why doctors are afraid to prescribe opioids these days but.....cutting people off isn’t the answer. Most people who OD on them obtained them illegally in the first place.
Punishing the other 93% is just like our over reactive powers that be.
Laws only change when a lawmaker is affected personally.
They will actually treat her pain.
I honestly didn't think it would do squat BUT it did!!. He went to outpatient PT 2 X a week for 8 sessions.They gave me exercises for him to follow up at home each day too.( stretchy bands, etc)
While my dad was not happy to do them, I cheerleadered him on. It did take a few months but he has no issues now. I still have him do his few exercises 3X each day, he needs to stay strong to stay with me. ( been here 13 yrs after a stroke)
Good luck with your mom. Susan from Indiana
A good doctor will evaluate each patient and prescribe pain meds for THEIR NEEDS.. the so called 'opioid epidemic' has been blown WAY out of proportion and leaves a huge segment of the population in chronic, unbearable pain, when the judicious management of pain is the best way to ensure a decent quality of life. (Said by someone with chronic systemic arthritis that, if untreated, leaves me basically unable to function at all!)
The pendulum will swing the other way, soon enough and docs won't have to be hamstrung by policies that frighten them into underprescribing for the chronically 'in pain'.
BTW, real drug abusers will always get their drugs. Sadly, people in real need are going underprescribed.
There is no THC in this oil. I hope this helps! My dad takes it every night to help him sleep. He is in an assisted living facility. It has helped him to not be so anxious. He also has dementia. His cardiologist and primary care said it was fine for him to take it.
And if you're not happy with how it's working with the NP, try another. A second opinion never hurts. Sending hugs!