New hope for pain sufferers

A change to a Minnesota state statute regarding opioid prescribing could help those who suffer severe, chronic pain.
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[@greg9069]

We live in a world where pain medicine is called worse than pain. Only by people who don’t have pain. But those without pain are in control of pain medicine 🤦‍♂️ ignorant!

[@jeffjones3040]

Precisely! They have no empathy.

[@BabyBunch]

People have went to street drugs or committed suicide due to chronic pain that was unbearable

[@BethHutch-pg5yi]

indeed

[@kimwhitson7035]

Finally someone’s using their brain. Those of us who’ve laid in bed crying because we are unable to get out of bed and wait for someone to find us and help us to get out of bed.

[@Sssteelo]

Allow doctors to help pain patients. They are adults and don’t need to be treated like children.

[@aziblas8299]

Thank you!

[@shovelhead81]

They don't need to be treated like drug addicts either.

[@youdontwanttoknow5203]

Needs to apply to all pain patients - surgical, osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, etc. Doctors are scared - GPs are scared. They need to rein in the DEA and CDC. Stop their overreach.

[@MizRuthie]

All the alphabet agencies are so very very corrupt.

[@aliciameeks]

The government has no business in the doctors office or in the pharmacy.

[@CtDDtC1919]

EXACTLY! Too many patients are left in severe pain because of these heartless know-it-alls in the DEA and the CDC. A couple of years ago, I injured my cornea. I had my wife drive me to the eye doctor. It was almost impossible to open my eye enough to get the numbing drops in. It felt like someone was putting a cigarette out on my cornea. We managed to get enough of the medication in to numb it up a little and allow for the addition of a little more to completely numb it. The doctor told me it looked as if someone had taken a tiny melon baller and scooped a little portion of my cornea, just outside the pupil. He applied an antibiotic and a contact lens bandage, as well as prescribing a steroid and another anti-inflammatory drop. I asked if he would please give me something for the pain. I knew that once the numbness wore off I would be in excruciating pain again. He said that it didn't fall within the guidelines of prescribing opioids and that they had to be very careful to stay off the radar. Instead, he recommended ibuprofen. I reminded him that because of my GERD and occasional bouts of esophagitis that NSAIDS were contraindicated for me. He said "Take Tylenol then" It did nothing to help. I sat in my room with the windows blocked out and in pitch blackness for 3 days in severe pain. Tears were rolling constantly down my cheeks. I couldn't sleep, and I broke down sobbing several times. THAT is when I lost all respect for the DEA and CDC and their so called war on opioids. They are inhuman and are the cause of so much suffering. I really hope it is true that people get a life review when they die, and they get to see in a raw first-hand sort of way how their actions affected the world. If so, they are going to be in for a Hellish experience.

[@buttholasaurus99]

More states need to follow

[@yippyfknskippy7340]

EVERY state NEEDS to follow!!

[@carolbenack5960]

Congratulations everyone who worked hard to finally get this legislation passed. New York State please Pay Heed !

[@candeezymarie9827]

Dr. Hess was my dr. He is absolutely a Saint. He's done so much for is pain patients! Go Dr. Hess.

[@amayznvintage]

Yes he is my guardian angel!!!

[@macchz5444]

I wish he was still seeing patients. The clinic he was at I heard he's no longer there.

[@kathycuster1714]

Chronic pain is horrific! There was a.time that I thought about ending the pain. I have fibromyalgia and some nasty arthritis. i have been on vicoden for years. I am VERY fortunate that I don't go through withdrawal. If I don't need the meds, I don't take them. People who have chronic pain need help! It's not right for someone to have to auffer.

[@bubsthirty5890]

Thank you Dr Hess for fighting for your patients! About time the news covers the true "opiate epidemic"

[@kahlernygard809]

I refer people to this video Almost daily. The pendulum swung way too far and chronic pain patients have been killing themselves as a result. Other states and the federal government need to realize this

[@michellerenee87]

The federal government does realize this. They are doing it on purpose.

[@sissy9393]

I’m proud of this state. Honestly the doctors should never be charged. The patients who sell these drugs should be the ones in prison. It’s cruel to do this to people.

[@crystalbartlett5418]

I have CRPS in both legs & feet. Getting meds just to help maintain my daily life has been hell

[@shadowspond3488]

I have Central Pain, after a stroke. Its like CRPS, but full body without skin changes. I just started taking Red Malay, Red Maeng DA and Red Bali Kratom. If its legal in your state, and your pain Dr says it wont break your contract, you should try it. Get it from a good online store. Just a suggestion, I understand your pain. Its been helping me so far. ((Hugs)) I learned about it on facebook, reddit, and youtube

[@yippyfknskippy7340]

I have GERD so won't take kratrom (other reasons too like dry mouth, I already have terrible issues with dry mouth) but you shouldn't advise others to take it because you don't know what other conditions or issues they may have.

[@AndthenthereisCencorship-xc6yi]

It's about the patient, not the opioid. Why does that need to be explained??

[@anneturner2404]

OHIO IS KILLING PAIN PATIENTS !! IM DYING PLEASE HELP !!!!

[@pursedelighted]

Ohio isn't a good state to be in needing pain management. Most states with high addiction it very hard to get treatment

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Anyone with severe intractable neuralgia from pudendal neuropathy and/or entrapment deserves their opioids or fentanyl duragesic patches. Stop the torture.

[@laurajohnson5128]

My thoughts exactly!

[@donniegombel]

I'm 66, ruptured a disc. in Nov. 1978.went without any pain help until 1994. Stayed on lowest dosage as possible but still got caught up in these federal guidelines. Read an article in JAMA that talked of the federal war on drugs in the medical pain centers pushing folks with chronic pain to the Methadone Clinics. Call and found out that my Dr. prescribed meds in my urine was all I needed to start at clinic. 20 year's later I'm still here taking the lowest amount I can and will never go back. Had I been started on pain med's in 1978 I would never have used alcohol as a pain killer. The war on drug's, legally prescribed meds, has cause so many folks more damage than most folks will ever understand. Yet our streets our flooded with illegal drug's that's been making certain folks tremendous profits.

[@hollyh5032]

​@@donniegombel They don't seem to care about those of us in TRUE excruciating pain. I pray you get some relief! Life is way too short to suffer! Hang in there friend!

[@donniegombel]

@@hollyh5032 we just take it one day at a time. I visited a friend's son at a children's cancer hospital and I was impressed with all the tv game's and stuff for the children. When I asked about it I was told that the need for pain med's went way down when they could occupy the children's mind with anything that distracts them. I learned to apply that to myself and other trick's to work on the mind over matter. It's no good though when the pain spike's to the extreme level. I feel it's important for me to try and stay in control as much as possible. Best Wishes!

[@hollyh5032]

@@donniegombel I'll definitely give it a try! I'm willing to try things like that to get relief! Thank you for sharing! Blessings!

[@nateone6632]

I have crps and getting cut off has sucked. They give me Suboxone but it sucks for pain

[@silvermainecoons3269]

Not only that but getting off Suboxone is incredibly difficult. I’m going through it right now. The psychological effects are actually worse than the physical pain of withdrawal. Plus it lasts so much longer than trying to withdraw from short acting opioids. I’m going on week 3 of withdrawal hell; insomnia, anxiety, depression, and extreme mood swings. Suboxone can be a useful tool in treating addiction but I agree that it sucks as a pain killer. I’m going through this under medical supervision but it’s still horrible. Also the fear of having unrelenting, untreated chronic pain again has led me to some very dark places. The opioid epidemic is a very complex issue and there’s no one approach that will address the problem. Agencies like the DEA, FDA and the CDC view chronic pain sufferers as being no different from people suffering from addiction to recreational drugs. Both groups deserve compassion and help. As is typical these government agencies completely ignore these facts by lumping us all into one category. In the words of the great Abraham Maslow, “If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

[@orbtrans]

Good job Laddie !!! I had been a PT of Dr Hess for many years. Because of him, I am not bed ridden. I have been able to work and be productive. As a volunteer Medic, I am fully aware of the risk/benefit of opioid meds. If people could begin to understand the difference between being addicted and physically dependent, it would bring a little light to the needs of folks suffering from debilitating pain. I haven't read the new legislation yet but it appears that it is a step in the right direction.

[@orbtrans]

BTW, it is a shame what the administration at United Hosp put this man through. He is recognized as one of the absolute best authorities in pain management throughout the US.

[@hollyh5032]

Rich, you are 100% correct! all the misconceptions out there is what hurts us most!

[@mollyram2997]

Yes! People are dependent on their SSRI's as well, go thru wd and have chills/insomnia, the whole thing but yet they aren't called addicts? Make it make sense.

[@cypresswyvern]

Thank you for fighting for us. It's been years of pain and difficulty. My injuries have changed my family's lives completely. Legalize all medicinal plants ✌️🌿

[@kenprice57]

My wife was dying of terminal cancer the doctors didn't want to give her pain medication because they were afraid of damaging her liver I WENT OFF ON EM and got her medication ❤

[@dominiquedoeslife]

Thank you for being her advocate. I have no doubt that meant the world to her.

[@Gothgalactica]

YESSSS 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@carollarevalo8069]

Congratulations on being the first I can only hope someone stands up to them in my state of Ohio 😢

[@yippyfknskippy7340]

You may have to be one to take a stand, write your legislators, contact news stations etc and find others to advocate as well.

[@amayznvintage]

Yes thank you Dr. Hess love you dearly 🌷🌷

[@AMO248]

I have yet to meet anyone that this statute has helped.

[@jeffjones3040]

I have yet to meet anyone it has HURT!

[@AMO248]

I didn’t and don’t think this legislation was going to “hurt” or be bad for anyone that suffers with constant pain. To this day I still have not met anyone that has benefited from it. My doctor still can’t increase my pain meds because Allina Health will not change the max allowable daily mg’s. So like all legislation that does not have a means to enforce what they have passed it does not help as it was intended too.@@jeffjones3040

[@hanklayton3114]

TEXAS please follow suit!!

[@GhettoRanger01]

Finally, it's long past due. it's a safe bet lawmakers and the rich never live in pain.

[@yippyfknskippy7340]

Yeah we all know they're not suffering.

[@kerry1727]

Michigan could use this

[@kimbuchholtz3754]

We need help in MONTANA ...

[@laurajohnson5128]

Need to get a representative to sponsor a bill and begin the process of getting it passed! Every state has guidelines that need to be revised! Nothing will change until that happens!

[@macchz5444]

@@laurajohnson5128 I'm willing to help Laura!

[@Trudel-xb2gn]

I am in Billings, Montana and our pain clinic (through St Vincent’s hospital - now Intermountain Health) closed their clinic due to the challenges with DEA, current changes in prescribing guidelines, low profit margins in comparison to other departments (ie; ortho, cardiology, OB/GYN, Gastroenterology). Nearly 4000 patients from around southern Montana, and Northern Wyoming, are now without a pain management clinic and unable to find physicians willing to treat them unless they titrate off pain meds. Many have been on pain management medications for 20 years or more without any problems but are now suffering as they do not have adequate pain control. I have a condition for which I have had brain surgery, neural stimulator implants, nerve blocks, and every therapy and medication ever suggested. None worked as well as time released opioids which I took faithfully and carefully. I had to go through a psychological assessment, sign a pain management contract, have frequent blood and urine tests, all to verify I was using my medication as prescribed. With my meds I was able to live a normal life, work, raise a family, be active in our church and a be involved in a myriad of volunteer Organizations. Without successful pain management, I am now in bed nearly 20 hours a day due to pain. This also affects the entire family. I understand the increasing numbers of patients who are unable to continue “living” these days of unrelenting pain without any sense of relief on the horizon. Blood will be on the hands of the AMA, DEA, hospitals, clinics and all those who have made these sweeping decisions without considering those in legitimate need whose lives were made bearable by some of these medications and who followed every guideline, script, and recommendation given to them. We are just nameless casualties in this war on opioids that is throwing everyone into the same net.

[@George42041]

I got incredibly injured at 18 and now 33 still have excruciating pain don’t sleep can’t live. My doctors treat me like I’m scum. I asked to be referred to another doctor months ago. My doctor just stopped answering me. I need help but they don’t care.

[@Gothgalactica]

I’m so sorry. What they’ve been doing is inhumane and cruel. More and more of us are going to be suing for medical abuse and inhumane treatment. I promise, it will get better. Have you tried Kratom? It helps me and many others immensely. I’m sorry you’re suffering. Truly. 🥺

[@pizzandoughnutspage7817]

Amazing that the very medication for people with chronic pain are the ones that must suffer the most, we can only hope change is truly on the horizon!

[@mariaherreradechaidez3483]

Thank God!!

[@Donkarnage223]

I have been living with CRPS now for a year! I try to "suck it up" but day after day month after month it becomes to be too much! Now I have a battle each and every month trying to locate medication I need to function. Without it I can not go to work, can not spend time with my family on the weekends, my life is reduced to sitting on a couch. Please. What can I do to help? What help can I get? Let me know! Thank you for your time!!

[@Judi-CA]

They take away opioids then, push medications that have bad side effects and don’t work like opioids. Opioids have little to no side effects, it doesn’t make sense to switch to a medication that makes your health worse. I agree with this young woman, I’m 69 with chronic pain and when I use to pickup my meds I also use to get weird looks!! I looked forward to my retirement for years however, I can’t do hobbies, gardening or do active things with our grandchildren. I thought our Medical providers took an oath to do no harm. The government needs to stay out of our healthcare.

[@Gothgalactica]

THIS 👏🏽👏🏽

[@naDu4653]

It’s criminal to let chronic pain patients suffer.

[@rwr2643]

only thing worse than chronic pain is most doctors could care less and will not help people !

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Truth. I think they want us dead

[@Gothgalactica]

The newer younger doctors especially bc they’re being taught a bunch of anti opioid junk science and they’re coming out of school with stigma already attached to pain meds/patients. Trying to say that opioids CAUSE pain. No joke, they’re really out there gaslighting everyone by pushing this inhumane crap.

[@CatalinaFOIA]

Thank you Dr Hess ❤

[@Rae-yv7md]

Could i see a glimpse of sanity in tge far distance! Good Lord i hope so.

[@kskh2102]

Keep the fight up. Such amazing ppl.

[@kahlernygard809]

God is great 👍, this is hope praise be

[@marionwest3661]

These days, medics are told to concentrate on so called mental health issues. Surely people who are in agony with real pain should be a priority.

[@dean9327]

I was getting pain from the pain meds

[@JasonBrown-dd7dj]

Hyperalgesia

[@Gothgalactica]

Whatever. This is what they try and push on new doctors now that pain meds cause pain. Bullsht.

[@jamesjirik2245]

I only turned in for Jan and she’s off. I am off to wire we get off together, but I want to go on again life’s a big roller coaster just keep going and going.

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Wonderful

[@brothanlightment8261]

God bless u all sister in Christ

[@mrcooki3monster928]

Idk I had a rare disease? I was diagnosed with complex pain syndrome as well. I have chronic pain, sciatica in both legs, l-4 l-5 fusion than I have a kidney stone stuck inside the wall hurts a lot as well. Than I have arthritis in my right hip ball joint. Hurt like hell! Everyday when my pain doctor did the same . I was forced to learn and buy medicine off the street but using it moderately! Helped me actually from going crazy because of pain I went drinking a lot to just taking one fentanyl one day at a time. It help bring down my pain level . But sometimes my pain level goes up to a 12 and I have to another half of it and it goes to a 7 in 30mins. But i honestly I’m tired of pain and the pills and just depressed all the time. I wanna. Get off opioids and fix my body some how?? But I wish there was a was to detox from opioids without the withdrawal process! I hate it but I just wanna get clean and go back work with a new body!

[@TheSilverlady1980]

I have radiation induced TN the ganglion inside the skull. Every drug fir pain tried, 18 months nerve blocks, nerve allusion, nerve ablation, wire stim implant and finally brain surgery. Surgeon said ganglion melted huge trigeminal nerves looked like a blob of bubble gum. Narcotics are last option! I did not do this to myself. This is electrocutions like the old electric chair what is my crime? Cancer! We sold our house and moved 800 miles to a friends clinic. My primary care retired and without Family Doctor can get no specialists! Ontario has huge prejudice, no narcotic blanket policies despite the College of Physicians and Surgeons stating clearly take urgent patient, blanket policy’s not acceptable, and guideline 90 mcg is for “non cancer” pain. I have been offered assisted dying more than once. Told at least you qualify for MAID. I don’t want to die!! I am only 60. No grand children (yet).

[@retrorenagade]

It’s happening here in Australia too, practitioner’s scared to prescribe through fear of potential litigation or being placed under the scrutiny of authorities. Stop throwing the baby out with the bath water and give people with disabling chronic pain agency and dignity .

[@dondeere]

this is me in ky. i am stuck with chronic pain clinic will not proscriibe quiet enough to get by life is very bad i cant go on like this much longer i am 77 years old and death is looking better more ever day all because pain clinic screws me over . wish i had away out of this!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Bay0Wulf]

Yet anther reason for the CDC to be stripped of its “ability to influence”. I use opioids sparingly from a couple times a week to a couple times a month … usually as a half dose on top of a 500mg aspirin and a 200mg ibuprofen. The aspirin and ibuprofen is a 2x a day almost every day situation. Almost 40 years ago both feet were crushed and both ankles shattered and I refused amputation at the knees. I work in construction trades and sometimes aspirin and ibuprofen just isn’t enough. I haven’t had a prescription for opioids in over 35 years but I have many friends who’ve given me their leftovers. However, in my mid 60s I need them more regularly but I can’t approach any doctor to request a supply to use occasionally “as required” because doctors are simply too spooked by these regulations. However, without them I am unable to work regularly and there are very few jobs in the construction trades for an “irregular” employee.

[@jamesreed7181]

It’s going to get to a point where doctors will be so scared to prescribe drugs that will help people with chronic pain. This is America and the system of monitoring patients with pain medications is not broken.

[@bdybybb]

This is great news but it hasn't changed the prescribing practices of Allina, they do not recognize this new law. The suffering continues 😡

[@AMO248]

It would be great news if it made any difference. Like you my doctor won't increase my pain meds because Allina's policy has a daily cap on how many mg's you can have. So this is one of those feel good laws/bills that does nothing to actually help people with chronic pain.

[@Gpacharlie]

The VA severely limits opioid therapy for intractable pain. No doubt many of the 24 daily veteran suicides are because of this and other negligence by rationed VA medicine.

[@user-jl7wn5nn7p]

I been. Seeing a. Pain. Dr for. Four years snd last. Year another patient didn't want the. Drug screen. We sign a contract eith our. Dr. To follow. And uf we doy follow. Guideline we out

[@YouliveinabarnYouliveinabarn]

I have to sign a DEA form every 6 months from my doctor in order to keep getting my oxycodone HCl 15mg.

[@aziblas8299]

The crackdown on the drug has hurt so many people like me especially with doctors who think that they are gods! And the doctor I had was a pos! Not because of the very low amount of pain medication but because he showed me his cruel treatment laughing and even leaving the room as I was talking to him! Beware of the god’s doctor well some doctors have! Good luck!

[@mollyram2997]

Lest not forget: 1 in 8 American DIE OF ALCOHOL each year.... why is the world's worst drug legal & yet patients in pain are being left to die to suicide? Make it make sense.

[@johnathanabrams8434]

When they create biomarkers and imaging all of these liars who are not in pain will have to seek somewhere else

[@browngreen933]

Give these poor people the meds they need. After all, the state of Minnesota celebrated George Floyd's Fentanyl habit in the Chauvin trial.

[@j.frankparnell.radiation]

Haha. You are so funny you broke the internet.

[@browngreen933]

@@j.frankparnell.radiation 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@laurajohnson5128]

Nobody knows what chronic pain patients are going through unless they are living it! Legalized torture in America is not only inhumane treatment but it's depriving people of their quality of life!

[@macchz5444]

Come on that's not necessary. Don't pull in these types of comment's to this situation. It's trashy & inappropriate.

[@MissJennjenn]

@@macchz5444 I agree, shut up about George Floyd cause that's a whole different situation.

[@monthapril6441]

Meds are not answer the all have side effects

[@kahlernygard809]

Yes they are the answer. Not treating pain has the side effect of suicide not like you care about others though

[@keipas6074]

This is just a cruel thing to say here. You must have no idea what it's like to watch your Mom in AGONY 24x7 like I have the last 2 years. And just be a lab rat. They gave her 5 different anti depressants. And then, Gabapentin which sent her into 11 days of unbelievable Delerium. This wouldn't have happened if they simply gave her a Percocet like she asked for while in the hospital where she was an RN for 45 years. Posts like this are so rude.

[@hollyh5032]

​@@keipas6074 EXACTLY!!! I bet 99.9% of the rude & negative comments are people who have never suffered with or watched someone they loved suffer with chronic pain! it's people like that who could care less! I can promise 100% chronic pain is real and I wouldn't wish it on anyone!! I just wish people who don't think it's real would keep quiet for those who know without a doubt that it's real! I don't wish SUFFERING on anyone!

[@monthapril6441]

I do empathise for people suffering but meds camouflage and don’t treat root of health problems. Be careful people as meds are addictive and side effects cause additional health problems

[@kahlernygard809]

@@monthapril6441 not everything is fixable. Sure there are risks but there is in everything... having stuff illegal and hard to get makes it even riskier for the people who do need it

[@rwr2643]

only thing worse than chronic pain is most doctors could care less and will not help people !