Faces of Chronic Pain

Faces of Chronic Pain

Jennifer Nelson of Saline, Mich., shown with her husband and son, was diagnosed with the pain disorder known as reflex sympathetic disorder type 2 more than 20 years ago and used physical therapy, biofeedback and opiod pain medications to feel well enough to return to work. After being on the same dose of opioids for 19 years, Nelson’s pain management doctor said he had to cut everyone’s doses because of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Drug Enforcement Administration threats and insurance company pressure. “The cut in meds hurt more than I’d ever believed,” says Nelson. “I’d gone so long properly medicated that I’d forgotten how horrific my pain had been.” Soon after being cut, Nelson was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, spondylitis, and other back problems from limping for 21 years. Now, she says if her opioid dose is cut any further “I’d have nothing…It’s been 21 years and because of opioid medication, I’m a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I’ve never overdosed, I’ve never shared or sold my medication. Hardworking people who vote and pay their taxes are having their meds cut too low to live, or cut completely because doctors are afraid. This has gone way too far.”

Article source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~/556174580/0/usatodaycomwashington-topstories~Faces-of-Chronic-Pain/