Governmental “Freak Out”
Yes, there is an issue of medications finding their way into the “street market” yet, those diversion channels are not occupied by the responsible CPP. Chronic pain patients are NOW being villainized and harmed by the nonsensical amounts/limits/rules governing the rush to restrict medicine. Bad actors in the pharmaceutical distribution networks, pill mill clinics and addicts passing themselves off as pain patients are not following the “law” to begin with to become the bad actors they are. Those of us CPPs who are responsible and have been so for years, even decades, of positive histories documented with compliance are finding limits being put upon us by no actions of our own doing. These forced reductions and limits do not consider the multiple factors that go into determining the “amount” of medication prescribed such as individual genetic variables of the patient that interfere with the bioavailability and absorption of the medications, the way other medical conditions or medication reduce the efficacy of the pain medication, and even simple tolerance issues.
Those of us CPPs who are responsible and have been so for years, even decades, of positive histories documented with compliance are finding limits being put upon us by no actions of our own doing. These forced reductions and limits do not consider the multiple factors that go into determining the “amount” of medication prescribed and how the individual’s genetic variables. Doctor’s are able to test for these abnormalities with a simple cheek swab (under $150) providing vital information on the particular patient’s biological ability or INability to processes medications. These restrictions to medication completely ignore the very real interference pertaining to bioavailability and absorption of the medications, how the patient’s other medical conditions or the other medications they take for a separate medical issue can actually reduce the efficacy of the pain medication, and do not forget many patients have been on a medicine for so long there are even simple tolerance issues.
Law abiding CCPs are not contributing or participating with the “opioid” “epidemic” yet we are the ones being harmed because we comply with the rules, to begin with. We need to find a way where responsible pain patients are able to receive the medications at the dosages that are effective. That decision needs to stay between the doctor and the patient with the government and insurance companies staying out of that most sacred and private of relationships.