i totally understand these people venting...narcotic painkillers have a bad rap and anyone who takes them on a regular basis is looked at like an addict. some people can actually take this medication for the purpose it was intended and not abuse it. i knew a woman with RA (rhumatoid arthritis) in horrific pain daily. she was given tons of meds and took them sparingly. i think most of us wait until we are twinging(especially women, after all we give birth) before we take anything...i often wait until the pain is so far ahead, that when i finally do take something, it doesn't work...it will take til the next dose 4 hours later for the pain to subside. just like when i was in labor with my first. after 14 hours of contractions, the nurse finally talked me into a shot of demerol (i hate shots) i wanted natural childbirth. well, i was so far gone, the shot did nothing...4 hours later they gave me another one which helped me to relax enough to dialate and finally birth this kid after 28 hours....(and i never let him forget it LOL). i am not looking to get high. i am looking to fucntion and enjoy my life and do my job that i love and take care of my kids ( who are mostly old enough to take care of me). oprah's voice is loud and people pay attention...people in chronic pain and need these meds to go on, should be allowed their say too. i hope oprah DOES do a show on chronic pain. i have back pain everyday for the past 2 1/2 years now. as i sit here and type, i have pain shooting down my leg from my sciatic nerve. my pain is not nearly as severe as those with fibromyalgia or herniated disks, etc. people should have a say in their treatment and should not be judged by society for their treatment. i'd love it if i woke up tomorrow and never hurt again. it's doubtful. the orthopedist can't even find the damage that is causing this pain...another MRI, maybe sitting this time, a second opinion, more PT....and here is some Vioxx that will give me the worst stomach-ache i ever had, in the meantime, hang in there..... LOL...i will.
stormy