Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jun 2001
Source: USA Today (US)
Copyright: 2001 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/nfront.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Marianne S. Battista
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/alert/0209.html

PAINKILLER SUPPLIES LEGITIMATE NEEDS

I just finished reading USA TODAY's debate concerning the abuse of 
OxyContin (''DEA overreaches in effort to stop abuse of painkiller,'' Our 
View; ''DEA goal: Protect the public,'' Opposing View, Controlling drug use 
debate, Wednesday).

I have reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a disease of the sympathetic nervous 
system that causes agonizing and unending pain. My doctor, a certified pain 
specialist, has been prescribing OxyContin for my disease for 4 years.

I had a spinal-cord stimulator implanted 2 years ago, but I still require 
OxyContin three times a day to control my pain. I had to take a disability 
from my job as a librarian 3 years ago because of the pain this condition 
causes.

Thanks to the stimulator and OxyContin, 6 months ago I was able to go back 
to work part time as a substitute teacher.

I sincerely hope the Drug Enforcement Administration is being truthful in 
its statement that this drug will continue to be adequately supplied so 
that I, and the millions like me, will not be forced to do without it.

Punish the doctors and pharmacists who are improperly dispensing the drug 
and the addicts who are abusing it -- not those of us with a legitimate need.

Marianne S. Battista

Strattanville, Pa.
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