UPDATE ON OXYCONTIN ARTICLE

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

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

[groovygirl]

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.

[groovygirl]

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.

[groovygirl]

well, wouldn't you know...there's a double post.  oops...sorry.

[bmac]

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

[bmac]

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

[mrmichael67]

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.

[Bodymechanic]

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

[Francoise]

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

[Witchywoman]

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

[skipper]

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

[Bodymechanic]

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

[Chezz]

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.

[bmac]

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

[Francoise]

Now that I've said what a wonderful, life restoring drug oxycontin is, let me give you at least the one caveat I think everyone should know about it.

That caveat is that oxycontin causes the worst industrial strength constipation known. We're talking cement-like here. I was in the hospital twice for impaction till I made a liberating realization: I could do the same things they did in the emergency room; and I was a lot easier on myself than those frickin' doctors were. One person I know of had to have surgery to relieve his impaction. You can't take your eye off it, er, well, you can't take your mind off it. It gets to be a pain in the ass, well, I mean having to think about and take steps to avoid.

Frankly, now that I've moved to the Duragesic Patch, I don't have to worry about colonic paralization any more. And even though I'm a believer in oxycontin, I prefer the patch.

francois

[skipper]

good morning!:
hoping everyone is getting ready to have a good sunday. it's 8:40
am at this end of the missouri....hey jess your phone is off the
hook....don't be like that.
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[groovygirl]

wow - i was glad to see everyone in agreement on this issue.  witchywoman's statement about addiction being a nasty disease (or something to that effect) was simple yet profound.  the disease of addiction is what needs to be focused on here.

i am sickened by the lack of addiction treatment centers here in ma.  oxycontin is plentiful, but treatment is not.  most places don't take insurance and have long waiting lists.  it is so discouraging.  what is it going to take?  i called a few of these places asking about the new fda approved buprenorphine.  not ONE of these places had even heard about it...and here's one addict thinking, i've been waiting more than a year for this to happen, and these places don't even know what it is.

what's it like in other states?

[skipper]

groovy:
we have a glut of "trearment centers" in the upper midwest. what we
lack is detox centers. contrary to popular belief, they don't al-
ways go hand in hand.

read your e-mail
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[mrrstracy]

The views expressed in this forum and on the topic of "nasty" drugs are the view of this writer also. In the past year alone, we have seen numerous law suits over oxy addiction, they have been saying that the were mislead by the pharmacutical companies and did not know how addicting it was. BULLCRAP! It is our responsibility as consumers to be aware of what we are putting in our blood stream. Those negative reports have given pain relief a "nasty" sound. Not to mention that no matter what you are taking can cause some kind of "physical" addiction because it changes the way your body responds. As in my case, and I'm sure alot more, that if Doctors would learn how to wean people off of these narcotics, etc. that the patient would not feel that overwhelming pain and trauma associated with the withdraws and wouldn't have to result to obtaining drugs in other ways. This is directed to the reporter: Oxycotin is not a "nasty" drug, and we are not "nasty" people! We are people that have physical pain in one way or another, and it is the views of most of the medical community and society that causes us "emotional" pain due to the ignorance of not treating us like real people who need real help, not a judge! God forbid anything ever happen to any of you that are downing the use of oxy. I would like to know how you would respond if you had severe pain and had to be put on this "nasty" drug? Lastly I would like to say that the entire health community and media need to quit condemning us for something that if treated in the right ways, helps many people. And if the medical community would "learn" appropriate pain control and not leave people out there and cut them off cold turkey without weaning them off these drugs, which causes severe withdraw and often forces them to finding other means to obtain these drugs. You must understand that there is alot of fear involved here, it's not just wanting to "get high" but a fear of the physical and emotional pain after being cut off because the media calls pain control an addiction and has the Doctors scaird to death, afraid of another lawsuit if they try to help people live good, clean, and pain free lives. I hope I speak for everyone here in this forum when I say, We do not intent to be somebodys "Token Junkies" to get a story on something that is a true miracle when in pain. If you want the real story, then hust take the time to listen to the peole here and try to understand the other side that needs to be heard. And you can quote me on that! Take time to listen, not judge!

[bmac]

Beautifully said Mrs.T. You hit it right on the head this time.I just hope she listens to us.It isn't the patients giving any drug a bad name.It's teenagers not knowing that if you crush and
snort huge amounts of oxy,you will die.And also the liberal media
sux,period.

Hey Groovy,I knew it wouldn't take long until we agreed on something.I knew it would happen sooner or later.There is hope for us still!lol.

                                bmac

[mrrstracy]

You know, I'm usually a very quiet laid back kind of person, but this really gets my panties in a wad!!! It just goes to show "US" that we are not the ignorant ones here. Actually, I feel that "WE" could teach the medical community and media quite a few things about this. I believe that this forum is a life saver to many people out there. They always say " You can't bullsh*t a bullsh*tter. And I have seen so many true, honest feelings emerge here. It's really refreshing to me to see such brutal honesty and sincere concern for others as I have seen posted here by bmac, cincee, hippy, pixi, groovy and all the others here. We have a voice and I say it's time to use it instead if feeling like what we have to say is **** and nobody would listen. Well, here goes!! It's time to shake a few trees!

[groovygirl]

bmac...yes, just a matter of time.  as fellow addicts, we have to fight this thing together and just agree to disagree i guess.  if we can do that and still be respectful to each other, i guess there is hope after all.  

i really feel that my purpose right now is to help ma get with it as far as addiction treatment goes...i am a writer, so i do have that as a weapon, but more is needed.

does anyone have any suggestions on what i could do to help make changes here?

[suzieneedshelp]

So..whats the story behind the 'fact" that i've always heard that is you NEED pain meds then you do not get addictd to them.  If you take them as directed that is and do not abose them.  That your body uses it for the pain and not to get high.  Anyone know if this is true?
Suzie

[groovygirl]

hi - yes i know the answer.  if you need pain meds and take them as directed, you probably will not become mentally addicted to them.  ANYONE who takes opiates for any length of time, as prescribed even, will become physically dependant on them.  they will have to taper off of them.  they will not experience the mental anguish addicts go thru.  they do not feel the urge to take more than prescribed.

[Chezz]

Suzie,

Sorry I forgot to add that I got to talk to YOU last night too. I was glad to talk to you also. I wish we could have talked for a while as well. I really enjoyed speaking with Jess. But I wanted to get off the phone to "check" up on him if you know what I mean.

I posted below under "open forum-skipper". On why I won't be posting here as much. But You already know since I got to speak with you on the phone.

But I do plan on writing something on what you just posted about the meds and stuff. It has been something that has been on my mind for a long time. Jess and I also got to talk about this last night.
Now that I FINALLY have pain relief. I have no reason to abuse the meds or take more than I am supposed to. I have learned so much. I am not addicted to meds. I am dependant on them also. It has nothing to do with the meds being "used" for pain. You are mentally addicted if you use for other than pain, in my humble opinion. It is "the nature of the beast" to become dependant while taking them. It can not be helped. It is a property of the medicine.
I have learned so much by being here and plan on writing an article/post on this and what it has meant to me. I have now finally started writing in word and saving them for myself. I will post these articles when I am finished. I will also be giving them to my new doctor. She is the one that needs to here it and that is responsible for finally helping me get the pain relief I needed and HELPING me.
For that I am eternally grateful to her.
Thank you for your post Suzie. I hope things are getting better for you. I will be here for you if you need me. You know how to reach me now. ;)
I won't be posting here as much though. But I will still read and keep in touch.
Chezz

[chicane]

Hello, I'm new to his board. I have some experience with Oxycontin. I would say that it is good for people who are dying from cancer or any other terminal illness. The harsh reality of the drug is this: once your doctor prescribes it to you, their is going to be a day where you will have to come off of the drug. You go from one 20, every 12 hours, to one 40, then to an 80, and soon your tolerance is through the roof. One 80 no longer takes away the pain so you do 2 at once and so on. I've read about people who are legally prescribed this drug and are taking up to 400 mg a day, because the lower doses do nothing for them. The harsh reality is you can't do oxycontin forever. I can see why people would rather end up addicted to the drug if they have chronic pain. I do see the trade off. But the withdrawls are pure hell when your doctor finally decides to take you off the drug, and I think that is the part that they are not telling people. Peace

[suzieneedshelp]

Thank you for your post.  I really enjoyed speaking with you last night.  See Jess and I are for real, in more ways than one!  I have a terrrible headache today.  Nauseated and the works.  Taken stadol ibuprofen and fiorecet.  When it really kills me like this i'll take everything i can get my hands on seeking relief.  But Chezz your are dear to offer help to me.  thank you.  When i do withdraw i'm sure i will need all the help i can get.  I will take u up on your offer.  You have been an inspiration to us all.
Let me ask you a question...How does one find a real caring Dr. who doesnt just treat you like an addict when u seek pain relief?
Thanks,
Suzie

[hellbent]

"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....
"

SIGH - totally untrue. Nothing like this exists, and it may never.

As far as OC's not "being meant to be crushed, etc...", that's a tricky one. This drug produces euphoria for many people. "Swallow, but never chew" - that's kind of a silly directive for an addict.

This is not a simple issue. OC's for people in real pain are often a godsend. For addicts they are lethal. For people prone to addiction to opiates and who would never do heroin, they can just lay you out. It's not like popping a few vikes. When you get the OC monkey on your back, you may never make it back.

There is also the pharmaceutical companies pushing these drugs on docs through ceaseless lobbying and kickbacks, so that they will blanket prescribe for lesser injuries.

It's not an easy question, and one man's opinion probably can't do the whole thing justice, so I won't try.

[kayoone]

ok can someone tell me if oxy ir..is morphine?...ive heard oxycodone are generic percocet....but now alot of guys are saying its morphine..it does have the word oxycontin in the brochure they put with your script...so im lost on if its really morphine...someone please reply and help me out....thanks

[dru123]

Francois--I'm with you. I was on Oxy for a short time until I needed a higher dose(40mg x 2 daily) to control my pain, however I couldn't take a higher dose because it would make me puke. My doc switched me to Duragesic, and I feel it works much better. I have constant relief, and use very little break through meds. I do know what you mean about constipation. I get it from the Duragesic also. Luckily I've never had to go to the hospital because of it. I have to make sure I take my Metimucil, and other lax's daily, or I'm in pain. Anyone have any easy way to help with this by product of being on narcotic pain meds? I hate having to always remember and take steps to prevent it.