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MedHelp Member's Question

UPDATE ON OXYCONTIN ARTICLE

by MED HELP INTERNATIONAL, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
Hi Everyone,



Jennifer Perez wasn't even aware that we have an Addiction Forum on Med Help, until I wrote to her yesterday.  She's NOT avoiding any of you, she simply didn't know about all the posts that are here.



She is going to review all your questions et.al. over the weekend and will respond as soon as she can.



We can understand your reluctance to participate. However, Oxycontin is a nasty drug and I do hope that you'll help Jennifer write an article that offers new insight into Oxy addiction and possible ways for people to avoid becoming addicted.  



Have a great weekend...



Cindy Thompson

Member Comments (29)

by groovygirl, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: cindy
hi cindy - oxycontin is a very GOOD drug if used the way it was intended.  it's the people who abuse it that make it impossible for the people who really need it...like cancer patients. it was never intended to crush and snort or to liquidate and shoot...all the warning lables are there to tell people not to do these things.  i would hate to see it become even harder for people who need it to get it...it is a miracle for those people.

by groovygirl, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: cindy
hi - i posted a response, but it never appeared.  i was saying that it is a very GOOD drug for those who need it...like cancer patients.  it was never intended to be crushed and snorted or liquified and shot...all the warning lables are right there.  i would hate to see it become harder for those who need it to get it.  for them, oxycontin is a miracle that makes the time they have left bearable.

by groovygirl, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: cindy
well, wouldn't you know...there's a double post.  oops...sorry.

by bmac, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: MedHelp
Cindy, I have a question.You said Oxycontin is a 'nasty drug'.

Why did you use that term 'nasty'.My pain doc says just the opposite.He even says it's available in a capsule that doesn't

have any street value and can't be crushed to snort etc....

I feel slow released narcotics are a great thing when taken as prescribed and even then we do become physically addicted but

how many more times can I let a surgeon cut on me.If it wasn't

for these slow release narcotics I would have been dead by now.

If the drugs kill me at least I am here now because of these drugs you say are 'nasty'.Without them I would have died long ago.But talking to Ms.Perez is up to the forum,I think we should

all listen to her and see for herself.Let her in and let her

speak,

                 Thanks,

                    Bill

by bmac, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: MedHelp
I forgot to mention I am not using oxycontin!But have in the past.I am on a 'contin' type narcotic called Kadian.(ms contin)

But it is in a capsule with little pellets in it and can't be crushed to snort(which I don't anyway).I use my meds legally

and under my pain docs care.That is something Mr.Perez should know.Does MedHelp going to be apart of this article?And what

is MedHelps stance on the use of narcotics?

If all the answers are in the rules and regulations I missed them.I know the staff is busy and take your time replying,I

will be here I am sure.

                    Thanks very much

                          Bill

by mrmichael67, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
Just the comment about Oxycontin being a nasty drug is a red flag on the whole project.  Oxycontin in a capsule?  It hasn't happened yet.  They are working on something.

by Bodymechanic, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
Am I missing something here?  How do you avoid getting addicted to it?  Don't take it.  How do you avoid the negative effects of the "nasty" little pill?  Take it as directed.  It seems to me that Jennifer may need to go elsewhere to write the type of article she is apparently looking to write.  People here are too objective. She is looking for sensationalism.



Bodymechanic

by Francoise, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
I also reject the idea that oxycontin is a nasty drug. Taken as directed, it is a wonderful, life-enhancing drug.



No drug is "nasty," a drug can have nasty effects if used improperly, like crushing and snorting. But the drug itself is neutral as to morals. More people die bleeding to death from aspirin and NSAIDS than from oxycontin, not to mention tobacco and alcohol which ruin more people that oxycontin ever will.



I hope this reporter isn't wanting to write something sensationalistic. Journalists have virtually no credibility left anymore anyway. This happened when Woodward and Bernstein popularized the profession and we let any Tom, ****, and Henrietta into it. It seemed so glamorous back then. Now look.



IMHO



francois

by Witchywoman, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
I have to agree.

When I was deep in my hydro addiction, there was a while right after my surgery my Doc put me on oxy.  I had no idea it could be crushed etc and just took it as prescribed. It was the only time I stopped abusing. The pain was under control, and for some reason I lost the urge to abuse they hydro.  I had about a month's relief from the nasty hydro addiction, then my doc took me off the oxy and back on hydro and before you know it I was off and runnnig again.



I'm supposed to be on oxy now, but went off it after a week because I just never want to have to go throug wds again. I'm very stubborn. I'd rather have a few high pain days and get occassional short term relief when I absolutely can't function.  But my doc tells me that my body would do much better taking the oxy regularly. The pain management Doc explained that a stable dose of oxy will stop the pain signal, and the constant pain signal can have a very bad effect on my immune system and make the pain permanent even if my back problems resolve. I am doing research to see if that last part is really true.  I still prefer to not take the oxy, for stubborn reasons of my own, but if the pain gets worse or stays this strong, I may have to just give up and follow the Doc's advise.  



The problem is not that oxy is a nasty drug.

The problem is that addiction is a nasty disease.



with love and respect,

WW

by skipper, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone, cindy, phill, medhelp
good afternoon people:

i guess i'm real confused here. it appears Medhelp has a already taken a very negative stance against oxycontin. too bad... because without oxycontin or some other "evil" pain cotrol i probably would be dead. perhaps Medhelp would rather see me 6' under than addicted to a evil narcotic....



i'm sorry i just expected a lot more from ciny, phill, and medhelp

than jumping into bed with some hysterical reporter whose intention

right up front is to write an article about the evils of oxy...



i am so disapointed, not to mention somewhat suprised



cindy, phill get an angel on your shoulder (you will need it)

kip

by Bodymechanic, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: Skipper
I know what you mean by being dissapointing.  Here is an opportunity for someone to take an objective look at addicts in their many disguises. It is much more convienient to lump us all into the same catagory.  The fact remains, addiction is simple but the addict is very complex. Coming from every level of our socity we are your neigbors, doctors, nurses, lawyers, carpenters, plummers and yes, magazine publishers.  In every profession, race, religion and at every economic level you will find the addict.  Many don't even know or won't admit it.  Medhelp, not wanting true insight and fearing originality will probably write same overplayed ****.



Bodymechanic

by Chezz, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: EVERYONE, Mrs. Perez
The problem is not that oxy is a nasty drug.

The problem is that addiction is a nasty disease.



Witchywoman. You are the woman! That is the best thing I have ever seen to describe this in two sentences.



I have abused other meds in the past. Now I realize that is was partially because I was not getting the pain relief I needed.



Because I am on oxycontin for the 1st time. I have NEVER had this type of pain relief EVER. I am finally able to walk sort of normal, instead of hobbling. I am able to sit for more than 5 min without contantly feeling pain, and moving around. I am relaxed and can lay and watch TV without focusing on the pain. It is too hard to explain the relief I finally have. With the other meds, I still constantly had some form of pain and was focused on it throughout the day. With oxycontin, I finally feel like I am LIVING life!!!

Furthermore, I have not had even a thought to abuse it. I am so greatful to just finally have pain relief.



Chezz



So Mrs. Perez. Please do write an article based on my story. My wife would like to be involved as well. She has finally got her husband BACK. Those are in her words.

Then maybe SOME doctors out there will read it and start following the hippocratic oath and not making pain patients feel like drug addicts. (The ones that I have seen that have said - "I don't treat pain" They need to be EDUCATED as well.

by bmac, Oct 19, 2002 12:00AM
To: Skipper/Bodymech.
That is why I posted the question to Cindi.I was really surprised medhelp is taking a stance against oxy.What other drugs policies should we know about.Is narcotic use as a whole a

'nasty thing?'

I hope Cindi will answer this question for us.Well I guess the reporter girl thing is over.If the article is about a 'nasty drug'they don't need our opinions.

                            bmac

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